Kumbh Mela
This massive celebration happens every 12 years in the ‘holiest cities’ according to Hindu Mythology. The exact date is never known as the festival is conducted according to the Hindu Calendar. Devotees come from far and wide to attend this grand spectacle. Kumbh Mela has seen some of the biggest numbers of visitors in Haridwar, as big as 70 million people. The sight of many devotees dipping in the Holy Ganga water (an act said to wash a human of all the sins) is a mesmerizing one.
Ardh Kumbh Mela
Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place after 6 years of the Kumbh Mela. Yet another beautiful sight, this celebration also draws devotees from all over the world who converge to pray and pay respect to their respective deities. The peak of the celebration is when countless devotees take a dip in the holy water of Ganga to cleanse themselves. It is usually held in the months of March-April. It is truly an event that one must attend to understand spiritual salvation.
Kanwar Mela
Kanwar Mela is held in the month of July, which is known as the month of Shravan in Hindu Calendar. This celebration is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the biggest annual festivals held in Haridwar. The religious ‘Abhisheka’ that is performed is a sight to behold. It is the time of the year when millions of pilgrims journey to Haridwar to carry the holy water of River Ganga with them.
Kartik Poornima
Celebrated in the month of November, this festival is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The celebration takes place under the full moon when the entire ghat is bathed in the moon’s warm light. In the evening, get mesmerized by the sight of thousands of lamps being let afloat in River Ganga. It is also considered very auspicious to bathe in River Ganga during this time.