Haridwar is an extremely sacred pilgrimage city situated on the banks of the river Ganga in Uttarakhand, revered as the holy abode of Maa Ganga. It is one of the seven holy cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism and is known as "Hari ka Dwar" โ the gateway to God. It is here that the Ganga enters the plains from the mountains.
Haridwar is renowned for its world-famous Ganga Aarti, holy dip and the grand Kumbh Mela. During the daily morning and evening Ganga Aarti, hundreds of lamps float upon the waves of the Ganga, creating a divine and unforgettable spectacle. The city is also a major gateway to the Char Dham Yatra.
Quick Information
- Deity: Maa Ganga
- Location: Haridwar, Uttarakhand
- Significance: Sapta Puri, gateway to Char Dham
- Main Attraction: Ganga Aarti, holy dip
- Main Ghat: Har Ki Pauri (Brahma Kund)
- Open: All year round (daily)
Ganga Aarti Timings
History & Mythology
Haridwar finds mention in ancient scriptures and the Puranas. It is believed that a few drops of the amrit (nectar of immortality) that emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) fell here at the Brahma Kund of Har Ki Pauri, making this spot extremely sacred. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated here on the basis of this belief.
The word "Haridwar" means the "Gateway of Hari (Vishnu)" as well as the "Gateway of Hara (Shiva)" โ it is the entry point to the pilgrimage of Kedarnath and Badrinath (the abodes of Hara and Hari). It is believed that the footprints of Lord Vishnu are still imprinted on a rock at Har Ki Pauri.
The legend of Maa Ganga's descent to earth, through the severe penance of King Bhagirath, is also associated with Haridwar. Since ancient times, this city has been a centre of spiritual practice and salvation for sages, saints and devotees.
Ganga Aarti Timings (Month-wise)
The timing of the Ganga Aarti changes every month with sunrise and sunset. Below are the approximate month-wise morning and evening aarti timings โ
| Month | ๐ Morning Aarti | ๐ช Evening Aarti |
|---|---|---|
| January | 07:10 AM | 05:30 PM |
| February | 06:45 AM | 05:50 PM |
| March | 06:10 AM | 06:10 PM |
| April | 05:35 AM | 06:30 PM |
| May | 05:15 AM | 06:50 PM |
| June | 05:20 AM | 07:10 PM |
| July | 05:25 AM | 07:05 PM |
| August | 05:35 AM | 06:40 PM |
| September | 05:55 AM | 06:10 PM |
| October | 06:10 AM | 05:30 PM |
| November | 06:25 AM | 05:15 PM |
| December | 06:50 AM | 05:20 PM |
Nearby Places to Visit
- Mansa Devi Temple: Atop Bilwa Parvat โ easily reached by ropeway (cable car).
- Chandi Devi Temple: A Shakti Peeth on Neel Parvat โ ropeway available.
- Maya Devi Temple: The presiding goddess of Haridwar โ an ancient Siddhapeeth.
- Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple: Located in Kankhal โ linked to the legend of King Daksha's yajna.
- Rishikesh: โ25 km โ the Yoga Capital and the route to the Char Dham Yatra.
How to Reach
Haridwar is well connected to major cities across India by air, rail and road.
Accommodation
- Dharamshalas & Ashrams โ Many budget-friendly options near Har Ki Pauri
- Hotels & Guest Houses โ Available across all categories, from budget to luxury
- Riverside Resorts โ A little away from the city for a peaceful stay
- Advance Booking During Festivals/Kumbh โ Accommodation fills up fast on special occasions
Bathing & Aarti Safety Advice
The Ganga's current is strong and deep in many places, and the aarti draws large crowds โ a few precautions are essential โ
- Bathe only at the designated ghats; hold on to the iron chains along the banks
- Do not venture into deep water โ the current is strong; watch children and the elderly closely
- Crowds are heavy during the aarti โ keep an eye on your belongings and pockets
- Arrive 30-45 minutes before the aarti to get a good spot
- The ghats can be slippery โ walk carefully
- Fix a meeting point in advance in case family members get separated
Location
The exact location of Haridwar (Har Ki Pauri) โ zoom in on the interactive map below or open it in Google Maps for navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ganga Aarti in Haridwar is held every day, both in the morning and the evening. The exact timing varies by month (season) โ a detailed month-wise schedule is given on this page. The evening Ganga Aarti is considered the most spectacular.
Haridwar is famous as the sacred abode of Maa Ganga, one of the Sapta Puri (seven holy cities), and for its world-renowned Ganga Aarti, holy dip and the Kumbh Mela. It is also regarded as the gateway to the Char Dham Yatra.
Key places to visit in Haridwar include the Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Maya Devi Temple (Shakti Peeth) and Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple (Kankhal). Ropeways are available to reach Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (โ35 km). Haridwar Junction is a major railway station connected to many cities. By road, Haridwar is about 220 km from Delhi.
The Purna Kumbh Mela is held in Haridwar every 12 years, and the Ardh Kumbh roughly every 6 years. During this time, crores of devotees arrive in Haridwar for a holy dip in the Ganga.
Bathe only at the designated ghats and hold on to the iron chains along the banks, as the Ganga's current is strong and deep in many places. Take special care of children and the elderly.
The evening Ganga Aarti is the most grand and popular, held at Har Ki Pauri. To get a good spot, it is advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the aarti.
Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital and a pilgrimage hub, is about 25 km from Haridwar. The route to the Char Dham Yatra (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri) also begins from here.
Official Information
For travel, tourism and official information, please visit the Uttarakhand Tourism website.
uttarakhandtourism.gov.in