Haridwar is one of the holiest sites in India and a sacred place for Hindus, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. It is where the Ganges leaves the foothills of the Himalayas and is revered for its purity. Hark i Pauri is the most popular bathing ghat and Ganga Aarti also takes place daily at 6am.
3.30pm after sunset. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the banks of the sacred river to witness the Aati River and seek blessings from Mother Ganges. Small lamps that glow in the leaves are floated down the river from the riverbanks and offer beautiful views. 

Ganga Aarti

Aarti de Ganges is an amazing experience, a treat for the eyes and soul. The place on the Ganges where the ritual is performed is called Harki Pauli. Ganga Aarti is usually a 40 minute ceremony starting around 6am. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the banks of the sacred Ganges to witness and participate in this unique and beautiful ceremony with religious fervor. It is estimated that an average of about 60,000 pilgrims and devotees attend the ceremony each day. 

The holy Ganges river is considered auspicious and revered for its purity. A simple dip in the holy river is said to wash away personal sins and purify the soul. The river has been worshiped for centuries according to Hindu tradition, with thousands of devotees paying homage to the river. Aarti begins with a group of priests preparing to chant a mantra. They first set the background, explaining the importance of the ritual and highlighting how venerable the river is. A life lesson about karma derived from the flow of the Ganges is also explained. After approximately 15 minutes of explanation, the arti begins with mantras and beautiful bhajans chanted in Sanskrit. This is a truly heartwarming and beautiful bhajan, played in the background with the sound of bells. Diya’s flame dyes the water of the river a bright, shining gold. The spectacle is impressive for viewers who are overwhelmed by the strong mood and atmosphere of the place. The atmosphere is full of religious fervor, very colorful and vibrant. 

Har Ki Pauri :

Har Ki Pauri is the most famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar. This is the ghat that witnesses Aarti’s daily rituals and welcomes the crowds that flock to the bank for Aarti. Hark i Pauri is also known as his Brahmakund and mythology suggests that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited this place during Vedic times. The temple is built around a large footprint believed to be that of Lord Vishnu. Hark i Pauri has budget and luxury hotels nearby to cater for all types of travelers and guests visiting Haridwar. 

Mansa Devi :

One of the most visited temples in Haridwar, Mansa Devi Mandir is located on the slopes of Shivalik. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi who was accepted to fulfill the desires of those who come here. It is a competition where lovers tie a sacred string around a tree that stands in the precincts of the Mansa Devi shrine. The shrine offers a beautiful view of the city of Haridwar. Alongside the Candidevi Temple and the Maya Devi Temple, the Mansadevi Temple completes the Siddhapeet Her Triangle.