Ganga Aarti in Haridwar

Haridwar is located on the banks of river Ganga; this makes it a sacred town for all the worshipers. This town is believed to be blessed by the holy trinity; Bhramha, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Haridwar is termed as the ‘Gateway to the Gods’. Daily millions of people come here to take blessings from the river and to see the divine Ganga Aarti in Haridwar.  

According to a mythological story and believe, when the river Ganga flows on the remaining of the ancestors of Saint Bhagirath they got moksha (free from the cycle of death and rebirth).  This tradition is followed by mostly every Hindu, they offer remaining of their death ancestors and relatives in the river to expect moksha for them. The Ganga Aarti in Haridwar at the Har ki Pauri started in the early 1910’s. This tradition in Haridwar was started by Pundit Madan Mohan Malviya.

The Ganga Aarti in Haridwar is the main attraction of tourists and pilgrims who seek spiritual cleanse. The Ganga Aarti brings all the tourists and pilgrims to Haridwar. The Ganga Aarti is a ritual in Haridwar and is performed on a daily basis every day, and in every month. The Aarti is performed on sunrise and sunset, although the timing of the Ganga Aarti changes of according to the sunrise and sunset. The kumbh mela, ardh kumbh mela and kanwar mela also takes place here in Haridwar on the banks of river Ganga. Ganga Aarti usually takes place between 5:30 am to 6:30 am in the mornings; and in evenings between 6 pm to 7 Pm.

The best time to visit Haridwar for Ganga Aarti is evening, because you can enjoy the lights of diya and the scenic beauty of river Ganga. The evening aarti is attended by 3000 - 30,000 people daily, the crowd increases on weekends and on festivals. People offer curd, milk, oils, and flowers to the Ganga River. Many people like to feed the fishes in the river, and like to sit near the bank in morning.  At least 5000-10,000 people take the holy snaan in the river.

There is a small temple near the ghat, from where the idol is taken in a palki carried by priests and people. The Aarti is performed chanting bhajans and with drums and bells. This is a divine scene is enjoyed by everyone present at the ghat. You should at least visit Haridwar for Ganga Aarti.