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Upcoming Events & Festivals in Haridwar

Haridwar, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. It is known for the Kumbh Mela, the largest pilgrimage in the world, and attracts millions of visitors every year. The city is also known for its numerous festivals and events, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. In this article, we will explore some of the upcoming events and festivals in Haridwar.

1. Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela is a major religious festival in Haridwar, celebrated every 12 years. It is believed that during this festival, taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River washes away all sins and helps achieve salvation. The next Kumbh Mela in Haridwar is scheduled for 2022, and it is expected to draw millions of visitors from all over the world.

2. Kanwar Yatra

Kanwar Yatra is another significant festival in Haridwar, celebrated during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August). During this festival, devotees carry water from the Ganges River to offer it to Lord Shiva in different temples. The yatra begins in Haridwar and ends at various temples in North India. The festival attracts a large number of visitors every year.

3. Ganga Dussehra

Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day of the waxing moon of the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May-June). It marks the day when the Ganges River descended on earth from heaven. Devotees take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges and offer prayers to the river goddess. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Haridwar, and thousands of people visit the city to take part in the festivities.

4. Ramnavami

Ramnavami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Rama, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and is marked by the chanting of hymns, reading of scriptures, and distribution of prasad. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, and thousands of devotees visit the various temples in the city to offer prayers to Lord Rama.

5. Holi

Holi is a festival of colors, celebrated all over India. It marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. During the festival, people smear each other with colored powder and water, dance to the beats of drums, and indulge in festive delicacies. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the whole city comes alive with colors and music.

6. Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights, celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil and the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his exile. The festival is celebrated with the lighting of diyas, fireworks, and distribution of sweets. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, and the city is adorned with lights and decorations.

7. Navratri

Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of the Hindu goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and once in the month of Ashwin (September-October). During the festival, people fast, sing devotional songs, and offer prayers to the goddess. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the city comes alive

8. Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated in the month of January to mark the beginning of the harvest season. The festival is also known as Uttarayan and is celebrated with the flying of kites, distribution of sweets, and taking dips in the holy waters of the Ganges. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, and the city becomes a hub of activity.

9. Somvati Amavasya

Somvati Amavasya is a unique festival celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya) that falls on a Monday (Somvar). The festival is considered auspicious and is believed to bring good fortune to those who observe it. Devotees take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges and offer prayers to their ancestors. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and thousands of people visit the city to take part in the festivities.

10. Teej

Teej is a festival celebrated by women in the month of Shravan (July-August). The festival is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is celebrated with fasting, singing devotional songs, and offering prayers to the goddess. Women dress up in colorful attire and apply henna on their hands. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the city becomes a hub of activity.

11. Shivratri

Shivratri is a festival celebrated to mark the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava, a cosmic dance. The festival is celebrated in the month of Phalguna (February-March) and is marked by fasting, chanting of hymns, and offering prayers to Lord Shiva. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, and the city comes alive with lights and decorations.

12. Ganga Mahotsav

Ganga Mahotsav is a festival celebrated to honor the river Ganges. The festival is celebrated with cultural programs, exhibitions, and aarti ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and thousands of people visit the city to take part in the festivities.

13. Janmashtami

Janmashtami is a festival celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The festival is celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August-September) and is marked by fasting, singing of devotional songs, and offering prayers to Lord Krishna. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great fervor, and the city comes alive with lights and decorations.

14. Gangotri and Yamunotri Yatra

Gangotri and Yamunotri Yatra is a pilgrimage to the holy shrines of Gangotri and Yamunotri, located in the Himalayas. The yatra begins in Haridwar and takes visitors through the picturesque mountains and valleys of Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage is considered to be highly auspicious and is believed to wash away all sins. In Haridwar, the yatra is organized with great care, and thousands of visitors embark on this spiritual journey.

15. Haridwar Mahotsav

Haridwar Mahotsav is a festival organized to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the city. The festival is celebrated with cultural programs, exhibitions, and aarti ceremonies on the banks of the Ganges. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and thousands of people visit the city to take part in the festivities.