Haridwar (place of lord)

Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India's Uttarakhand state, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats, Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny lamps are floated off the steps. Worshippers fill the city during major festivals including the annual Kanwar Mela.

Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places (Sapta Puri) to Hindus.This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela, which is celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. During the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins to attain Moksha.

Hari means "Lord Vishnu" and Dwara means "gate" or "gateway".Hence, Hardwar stands for "Gateway to Lord Vishnu.

The 'Panch Tirth' (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar, are "Gangadwar" (Har ki Pauri), Kushawart (Ghat in Kankhal), Bilwa Tirtha (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi Temple). There are several other temples and ashrams located in and around the city. Also, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not permitted in Haridwar.