Haridwar is a special place being one of India’s 7 holy cities, and only second to Varanasi, it is the most popular place to watch the Ganga Aarti unfold.
Haridwar has long been a hub of spiritual and religious fervour. Nestled at the feet of the Himalayas, the city is believed to be a gateway to the divine.
In Sanskrit, the ancient language of Hinduism, Hari means ‘Vishnu’ (the God of preservation and protector of the universe), while dwar means ‘gateway’. So, Haridwar poetically translates to ‘The Gateway to Vishnu’.
The Ganga Aarti takes place at Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat meaning the’ feet of Lord Vishnu’, located in the heart of Haridwar. It is believed that it is the precise spot where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Har Ki Pauri embodies the essence of devotion, faith, and the eternal bond between mortal humans and the sacred river.
From the moment I read and saw photos of the ceremony, I felt a strong desire to experience it for myself, but no amount of written words or images prepared me for being there to witness the spectacle in flesh.
It’s a moment when any ordinariness ceases to exist and is quickly replaced by a realm of resplendent colours and spiritual chants echoing through the atmosphere.