Haridwar

Festive Celebrations

Obviously the renowned Maha Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years and plays host to over 10 million devotees! Mythology has it that the oceans were once churned to retrieve the Kumbh (pot) containing the nectar of immortality (Amrit). As the divine healer appeared with the Kumbh, a great fight followed between the Gods and the Demons for the pitcher. During the fierce battle in the sky, a few drops of nectar fell at four different places, Haridwar being one of them. Hence, every twelve years pilgrims and devotees converge to commemorate this divine event. It is marked by a dip in the holy waters, several hour long prayers, and sadhus chanting vedic hymns and mantras, all looking to cleanse their souls. Held every 6 years, the Ardh Kumbh Mela is also visited by a large number of devotees coming here for a holy dip in the Ganges.

Kanwar Mela is held ten days before Shivteras (during the Hindu months of Shravan and Phagun) and is marked by huge crowds thronging to Haridwar to collect the scared waters of Ganga. It is also marked by a huge display of colourful goods at all shops. Diwali in November is also celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. You would see the entire city decorated with lights and diyas and the reflections cast in the waters is truly a spectacular sight.