Haridwar, India

Haridwar ("Gateway to God" in English Haridwar) is an old Hindu city located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. Its population is about 300 thousand people. The city is considered one of the seven holiest places for Hindus, where they can attain moksha (spiritual liberation).

Haridwar has a rich, ancient religious and cultural heritage. Old havelis can be seen in the city, which are a magnificent example of Indian architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries. The ancient houses with exquisite murals and intricate stonework are worth seeing. The city is a famous center of Ayurvedic medicine and traditional knowledge, and many ancient temples, ashrams (secluded places of residence) and dharamsalas (pilgrim inns) rise along the Ganges River. The atmosphere in Haridwar is remarkable despite the hustle and bustle of the city. One can see sacred cows strolling peacefully, piles of bright red holy powder, bottles of holy Ganges water and many other colorful goods piled up on the stalls. Under the shade of the religious ficus trees, holy men-sadhus are stationed, meditating or playing the chillum (whistle).

Haridwar is one of the four holy cities that host the Khumb Mela, the world's largest religious festival, every 12 years. According to legend, it was in the Ganges near Haridwar that several drops of the Amrit of Immortality fell. Therefore, at this time, the city is visited by about 7 million people who gather here, performing the ritualistic bathing on the banks of the Ganges River to wash away their sins and attain Moksha. In addition, every year in April, the city celebrates the festival of pilgrims, but also during the rest of the time, the place is visited by many believers who come here to pray and take a dip in the river waters from the sacred steps called ghats.

According to one of the legends, the sacred ghat Har ki Pauri was built by King Vikramadita (1st century BC), in memory of his brother Bhartari, who meditated by the banks of the sacred river. Lord Vishnu is believed to have left his footprint on the stone located on the upper wall of Har ki Pauri (literally meaning "step of the lords") where the Holy Ganges touches it at all times. Therefore, this ghat in Haridwar is one of the most revered in India. Here is also the 15-meter statue of the goddess Shiva with the trident, which can be seen from the road, from the temples, and from the mountain. Every evening on the banks of the river Ganges, at the Har ki Pauri ghat, the Aarti ritual is performed. The most interesting moment is the end of the ceremony, when the worshipers release their dias - small clay pots with lit candles and decorated with flowers and aromatic resins - into the waters of the sacred river. There are hundreds of flickering flames that drive away evil and at the same time are faith in good.

The interesting thing about the city of Haridwar is that only vegetarian food is served here without alcohol.

One of the biggest attractions of Haridwar is Bharat Mata Mandir - an eight-story temple dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India), located right next to the Ganges River, opened in 1983. by Indira Gandhi. Each floor of the temple represents an era of Indian history.

On the first floor is the statue of Bharat Mata. Above can be seen: floor of famous heroes of India, floor of achievements of revered women in India, floor of great saints of different religions and their coexistence, different forms of goddess Shakti, on the seventh floor are all the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. From the top eighth floor, the view of the Himalayas and the city of Haridwar is magnificent.

The Mansa Devi Temple is situated on the Bilu Paut peak in the Himalayas and is a popular tourist destination. There is a cable car that provides a pleasant ride and the view from the top is amazing. And because Mansa Devi literally means "the goddess who fulfills wishes" and many people come here with the belief that they will have what they dream of.

Interesting is the modern Pawan Dam temple, made entirely of glass pieces.

It is worth visiting Shanti Kunj, the famous ashram, a secluded abode where people come to study yoga and meditation. It is located 8 km from Haridwar city.

Rishikesh is a beautiful hill town 24 km from Haridwar, also a pilgrimage site. For wildlife and adventure lovers, Rajaji National Park is an ideal destination. Covering a huge area, the park has several entrances. The nearest entrance to Haridwar is 9 km away.