Haridwar। The tourist destination in Haridwar
About Haridwar
Haridwar is a major district of Uttarakhand, India. Hari means "God" i.e. the door of God has been called "Haridwar". Haridwar is the main and holy pilgrimage city of Hindus.
Haridwar is also considered one of the seven major holy places for Hindus. The Gangotri river is formed from the glacier of Gomukh, which later forms the Ganga river from the plains of Haridwar.
Haridwar is also known as "Gangadwar" due to the flow of the river Ganga. Maa Ganga river originates from Haridwar, which further increases the sanctity of Haridwar. Every day many devotees come to Haridwar for a bath and consider themselves lucky.
The crowd of sages and their reverence for God enhances the beauty of Haridwar. Mahakumbh Mela and Shahi Snan are the most famous in Haridwar, people from all over the world throng to take the Shahi Snan. The Maha Kumbh Mela lasts for more than a month.
History of Haridwar
Haridwar as a pilgrimage is a very ancient pilgrimage, but Haridwar as a city is not very old. Haridwar was known as "Gangadwar" during the Mahabharata period.
According to ancient Hindu legends, it is believed that when Dhanvantari was carrying a pot of nectar after churning the ocean, a few drops of nectar also fell in Haridwar.
According to beliefs, apart from Haridwar, drops of nectar also fell in Ujjain, Nasik, and Prayag. Since then, in turn, the Kumbh Mela is organized at these four places, which is organized after a period of 12 years.
Although there is no description of Kumbh Mela in Puranas. After the completion of Mahakumbh of one place, after 3 years, Mahakumbh is organized at another place. Similarly, after 12 years a cycle is completed and it has been going on continuously for years.
Every year on the occasion of Maha Kumbh, pilgrims, devotees, saints, and tourists come to Haridwar in crowds of crores and consider themselves lucky after bathing in the river Ganga according to the scriptures.
Har ki Pauri
It is believed that King Vikramaditya's brother Bhratihari had received a promise to become immortal by doing penance at this place. Paidi means "stairs". In the memory of his brother, King Vikramaditya built a pool and several steps.
After which this place is known as Har Ki Pauri. According to another most popular legend, Lord Vishnu had stepped into this place millions of years ago, after which it was named "Har ki Pauri".
Har ki Pauri is considered to be the holiest ghat in Haridwar. According to the beliefs, Har Ki Pauri is the place where few drops of nectar fell.
That place on the foot of Har is known as Brahma Kund. People from all over India visit the sites of festivals and holy days to bathe in Har ki Pauri. It is believed that taking a bath leads to salvation.
Things to watch in Haridwar
1. Har Ki Paidi
2. Chandi Devi Temple
3. Mansa Devi Temple
4. Maya Devi Temple
5. Bishno Devi Temple
6. Bharatmata Temple
7. Sapta Sarovar
8. Shantikunj
9. Kankhal
10. Parad Shivling
11. Patanjali Yogpeeth
The major festival of Haridwar
Being a religious place, many festivals are celebrated in Haridwar. But some festivals are very important and are celebrated with pomp. Thousands of devotees come for darshan in these major fairs. Some of the major festivals are as follows -
1. Maha Kumbh Mela
2. Somvati Amavasya
3. Guggal Mela
4. Ganga Dussehra
5. Kavad Mela
Haridwar as a pilgrimage is a very ancient pilgrimage, but Haridwar as a city is not very old. Haridwar was known as "Gangadwar" during the Mahabharata period. 
