Haridwar is one of the main centers for pilgrimages in India on the right bank of the Ganges river (Ganga). It is located in North India in the southwestern part of Uttarakhand state and it is considered a holy city.
This sacred location is at the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. This is a Holy place and one of the seven sacred places for Hindus.
Legend says that Maa Ganga (the personification of the river Ganges and the goddess of purification and forgiveness), after carrying the purity of heaven from Lord Brahma (the Hindu god creator) came to earth and created a divine flow area where the negativity of this world is absorbed. How grand!
The river Ganga is sacred and its devotees believe they can be saved and be clear of sins after taking a dip into the river. People from all over India come over here to be saved.
The most popular Holy Cities where the GANGA AARTI CEREMONY takes place in India: Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar
Every 12 years one of the biggest celebrations takes place in Haridwar which is the “Kumbha Mela.” During the celebrations, millions of people come over to take a dip into the river to be saved and to obtain moksha.
Every evening in Haridwar, a mesmerizing ritual known as Ganga Aarti takes place. This sacred ceremony is a beautiful way to express reverence and gratitude towards the holy river Ganga. It is an absolute must-attend event! Numerous priests and devotees gather to offer flowers to the Ganga, enveloped in the fragrance of incense, while they sing and pray. The most enchanting moment is when they offer fire through exquisite brass lamps, creating a truly captivating spectacle.
Before entering the ceremony, there are stalls where they sell an arrangement with flowers to offer to the Ganga during the aarti. It is a small offering of flowers and a candle that float down the river.
The ghat (a passage that leads down the river) where it takes place is called Har-ki-Pauri which means “the Feet of the Lord.” The ceremony takes place facing the river and it starts with a priest blowing a conch to expel all negative energy.
Many Pandits are Hindu scholars who are certified priests to perform poojas for a fee. Devotees can book a person to perform the pooja in his or her language and the ritual can be booked online!!! We have come a long way Ma Ganga!!!
I can’t stress enough how beautiful and profound the ceremony and ritual are and how important it is to the Ganga’s devotees. The many priests chanting, with bells and handling perfectly in sync holding brass lamps shooting fire as if it was coming from the inside of their beings is absolutely mind-blowing!
Pandits ready for the ritual
Devotees can select from different types of pandits from Guruji’s to Vedic Pandits with a lot of experience in religious poojas to perform the ritual by the Ganga. I have seen so many people coming from very far away places to do an offering to a Ganga with a Pandit which is supposed to clean a person from sins
Many devotees look forward to taking a dip in the river Ganga in the Har Ki Pauri Ghat to absolve their sins, however, this river is truly polluted with murky waters.
Selling “Diyas” which are small lamps made with oil and clay that are put inside flower arrangements. I have always seen the diyas placed on the water being lit, HARIDWAR the ritual is of offering fire
A devotee who just finished his offering to Ma Ganga wearing a wreath of flowers after the ritual dip in the Ganges with the blessing and guidance of a Pandit. The flower wreath represents honor celebration and blessing.
Lots of activity in the area for the many pilgrims who come over from all places in India and Nepal. After Covid hit hard in our world, restrictions were in place for the places where the ritual is performed.
INTERESTING: An ancient Chatri at Brahma Kund at Har-ki-Pauri, a dome-like structure is located at Haridwar ghat that needed to be badly renovated. The renovations finally started in 1998 but quarrels between the priests (go figure where Ganga was here) to as if the temple was a proper temple (yeap we are all confused) to the point that police protection was needed to keep the renovation work going. The ancient structure is not a real temple it is a Chatri (a place to commemorate a royal figure of a Singh).
Devotees come to hear talks and be part of prayers. It is a whole experience for the devotee and pilgrim to venture to Har-ki-Pauri.
Beggars lined up to ask for money at sacred places. There are some venues where one can find a true need and see if there is a need to help. There is a big need to end the cycle of destitution
I don’t discourage folks from giving donations, we make the world a better place by sharing what we have with others. Nonetheless, it is important to use your judgment when giving away money. Do not put yourself in risky situations by opening wallets, bags, etc to give money away. Always have a bit of money ready only if you are planning to donate funds but do it at a place where you are completely certain that money goes to a good cause. These places are places of wonder as much as places where opportunists make a living.
