Activity: Ganga Aarti
Location: Har ki Pauri, Haridwar
Duration: 1 hour
Aarti timings: 5:30 AM - 6:30 and 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

About Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most important Pilgrimage sites also considered one of the seven holy places in India. ‘Hari’ is another name of Lord Vishnu and ‘Dwar’ means ‘Gateway’ which makes sense as Haridwar is the point of entry to Badrinath, Temple of Lord Vishnu, along with the other three of Chardham. This is one of the reasons Haridwar being considered sacred. Haridwar was previously named ‘Gangadwara’ which translates to ‘Gateway of Ganga’ as the river Ganga which is again holy for Hindus enters the Indo-Gangetic Plain here in Haridwar after flowing for almost 157kms.
Haridwar has very much importance religiously for Hindus, It is one of the four places where Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years in rotation and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. It is a mythological belief that during the fight between demons and Gods for the elixir of immortality, a drop fell in Har Ki Pauri. So it is believed taking a dip in Bhramhakund on this day is auspicious. It is said legendary King Bhagirath brought Ganga on Earth from heaven so he can provide salvation to his ancestors.
Haridwar is one of the oldest living towns which has mentioned in scriptures before the era of Buddha. Apart from these Haridwar is famous for its Ayurvedic and herbal medicines and Gurukul School of traditional education.

About Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri was started in the 1910s by Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, who was also rewarded with the Bharat Ratna. Ganga Aarti is a prayer dedicated to River Ganga which has great religious importance in India believed to wash off sins when taken bath in and provide moksha to the souls of people whose ashes are offered to her called Asthi Visarjan.
Ganga Aarti is done twice a day in Morning during sunrise and Evening during sunsets that go for 1 hour. The timings of Ganga Aarti in Har Ki Pauri are between  5 am to 7 am and 5 am to 7 pm. The timing differs every month based on the season. People start gathering at the ghat 45 mins before the start of Aarti to claim a good spot. Every day on average at least 5000-10000 people come for Ganga Aarti here on normal days the normal can easily exceed 1,00,000-3,00,000 on weekends or festivals.
The Ganga Aarti starts with a small procession of carrying an idol of River Ganga in a ‘Palkhi’ from the temple to the Ghat by the pandits and the idol is placed on a platform where people go to offer things like cotton, sugar, ghee, milk, honey, curd, etc and seek blessings from River Ganga. Later Pandits sing the Ganga Lahari ( written by Pandit Jagannath which can be heard on loudspeakers. Followed by the oath taken by Panits from everyone to not pollute the river Ganga while raising both hands. After a little break, the Ganga Aarti is started with lighting the Aartis and waving it in front of the River Ganga while the Ganga Aarti song is played in the background along with the sounds of the bell.

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

The Ganga Aarti is performed throughout the year, therefore tourists can enjoy the aarti on any evening of their trip without missing the chance.

• Summer ( March - June ) March is the best time of summer to visit as it’s neither too hot nor too cold. One can witness beautiful sunsets and sunrises in this season. Celebrations of Ramnavami and Saavan Festival are done at this time which is worth experiencing. Other fairs like Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela which happen every 12 and 6 years respectively are also held during summers which attract crowds in millions are also worth experiencing.
• Monsoon ( July - September ) Haridwar in monsoon receives moderate rainfall yet enough to bring the risk of landslides also there’s enough humidity, therefore, it’s suggested to not travel in this season.
• Winter ( October - February ) Winter is one of the best times to visit Haridwar for Pilgrims as well as for tourists as one can experience festivals celebrated in this season like Diwali, Kartik Purnima, and the Ganga Artis.

How to Reach Haridwar

Haridwar by Air

 The nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) which connects flights from airports of many metropolitan cities like Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), etc. From the Jolly Grant Airport, taxis or cab service to Haridwar is available.

Haridwar by Train

Haridwar has good train line connectivity from all major cities all around the country with the station name Haridwar Junction (HW). Major routes are from Allahabad Jn, Howrah Jn, and Ahemdabad Jn. Weekly 2 trains run from Allahabad Jn to Haridwar Jn, 6 trains in a week from Ahmedabad Jn to Haridwar Jn, and daily trains available from Howrah Jn, Puri Jn and New Delhi to Haridwar.

Kalingautkal Exp(18478) 
Hw Dli Exp(04058)
Hw Adi Mail(19106) are few famous weekly trains.
From Delhi
Jan Shatabdi SPL
DDN Festival SPL
DDN Shatabdi SPL
Kota DDN SPL

Haridwar by Road

The roads connecting Haridwar are well maintained by the in Uttrakhand. Haridwar is well connected by road with Delhi and other cities of Uttrakhand. Haridwar from Delhi is at a distance of 225 km which can be covered in 6 and a half hours if done via National highway 334. Other cities of Uttrakhand connecting Haridwar are Dehradun at 51.3km, Rishikesh at 20.6km, Tehri at 94.3 km, and Mussoorie at 81.6 km.

Things To Carry in Haridwar

• ID Proof: Carry a valid ID proof issued by the government.
• Clothing: Winter- Warm Clothing (Down Jacket/Fleece Jacket, Woolen Cap/scarf, Hat, Lowers, Woolen & Cotton Socks, Thermal wears, Cotton Towels. Summer- Regular clothes, Fleece Jacket, Shoes & Shocks.
• Toiletries: Lip Balm, Wet wipes, Skin Moisturizer, Sunscreen.
• Medical: Personal medicines (if any), Mosquito repellent, prescribed medicines for high altitude sickness, Dehydration Salt.
• Optional: Sunglasses, Rubber Slipper, Power Bank, Candy, Dust Mask, Etc.

Do`s & Don`ts in Haridwar

Do’s

• Reach an hour before the Aarti to secure a good place
• Carry a cloth or paper to put on the platform to sit
• Wear appropriate clothes while visiting the temple or religious places 

Don’ts

• Do not throw anything in the river or anywhere
• Do not disrespect any religious or cultural beliefs
• Do not get fooled by fake people asking for money in the names of NGO’s