Festivals of Haridwar

Festivals of Haridwar is a land of temples and spiritual energy. Almost every time you visit the holy city of Haridwar, you’re sure to find a fair going on. Many of them are organised around the important bathing dates of the Hindu calendar including Somwati Amavasya, Karthik Poornima, Shrvan Poornima and Ganga Dussehra. In the month of Shravana (the fifth month of the Hindu calendar – beginning in late July and ending in the third week of August), there is the popular Kanwad Mela. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kanwad Yatra is the annual pilgrimage of the Kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva) to Hindu pilgrimages including Haridwar. In fact, the city sees lakhs of Kanwariyas coming to take a bath in the holy River Ganga. Then there is a Haridwar Mahotsava that the district administration has taken the onus of organising every year. This cultural festival, held on the banks of the Ganga, goes on for up to four days and sees enthusiastic participation. At the Dargah Piran Kaliyar, Urs is observed annually, and cutting across religious and caste barriers, thousands come and pray for the well-being of their loved ones.

Kumbh Mela
Kumbh Mela is very famous and enthusiastic festival among the people of India. It is a major attraction for the tourists and for the devotees too. Folks of folks visit here to experience the sanctity of the sacred destination. After every 12 years Kumbh Mela occurs in Haridwar. Mythologically it is said that during the battle between Demons and Lords to get nector (amrit) to become immortal a few drops of it fell on the earth at four sites, Haridwar is one of them and the rest are Prayag, Nasik and Ujjain.

Dipawali
Dipawali is the festival of lights. On the eve of Dipawali the whole city of Haridwar looks like a sparkling lamp. On this particular day the locals of the Haridwar and the pilgrims too light up different types of lamps, clay lights and diyas etc. The site is decorated with the unseen and elegant lights. The Ghats in Haridwar gets filled with thousands of followers.

Holi
According to the Hindu mythos Holi is one of the significant festivals in India. The fest of Holi is known as Festival of colors happens during the spring time. On the eve of Holi every one enjoy with different kinds of powdered and water colors.

Ganga Dasehra
Ganga Dasehra occurs on the 10th day according to the Hindu month Jayestha. The Hindus performs this festival in the form of worship to the Mother Ganges. As the Hindus believe that the sacred river Ganga descended on the same day on earth. It is also believe by the Hindu followers that the water of Ganges works as medicine. The Hindus gives the water drops who do not feel physically well.

Kartik Poornima
The Hindu month Kartik brings this fest of Kartik Poornima. The Hindus conceived that this month is the most sacred of all month in Hindu colander. The celebration of Kartik Poornima is celebrated when it is full Moon in the sky and the sun is Krittika. On this particular day also like Dipawali lamps are lighted up and floated in the holy river Ganga. Despite of these festivals there are many other festivals are celebrated in Haridwar.

Kanwar Mela
Kanwar Mela is held in the month of July, which is known as the month of Shravan in Hindu Calendar. This celebration is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the biggest annual festivals held in Haridwar. The religious ‘Abhisheka’ that is performed is a sight to behold. It is the time of the year when millions of pilgrims journey to Haridwar to carry the holy water of River Ganga with them.