Haridwar is one place where fairs are being organized with full enthusiasm round the year, such as Somwati Amavasya, Kartik Poornima, Shravan Poornima, Ganga Dussehra and other important bathing dates of Hindu calendar. The Kanwad mela during the month of Shravana is very popular among masses in which lacs of devotees of Lord Shiva come to Haridwar to take holy water of river Ganga. Apart from these, Kumbh mela and Ardh Kumbh mela at the interval of 12 and 6 years respectively do not need any introduction. District administration had also organised 'Haridwar Mahotsava', a 3-4 day cultural festival on the bank of river Ganga and 'Ayurveda Mahotsava'. Besides this 'Urs' is organized annually at the holy dargah of Piran Kaliyar in which people of all sects participate and pray for their well being.
Ardh Kumbh
Though all the Hindu festivals are celebrated here with ceremony and cheerfulness, it is the Ardh Kumbh which attracts the mind of any tourist to this place. It is said that a holy dip in the river Ganges during the Kumbh gives you Moksha or Nirvana. A large number of gathering occur to take the holy dip during these holy days.
There are Saints, Naga Sadhus, Politicians almost every one is here. The city is overflowing with people. If going to Haridwar during the Ardh Kumbh then avoid the over crowded ghats.
Ardh Kumbh Mela is held every sixth year after a Maha Kumbh Mela that takes place every 12 years. The very auspicious Ardh Kumbh Mela is falling in April - May 2004, Haridwar.
The Historical Origin
The origin of the Kumbh Mela dates back to that time, when there arose a conflict between the gods and the demons over the possession of the pot of amrit, the immortal nectar. As they were involved in the churning of the ocean for the immortal elixir, the ocean yielded many treasures, till finally Dhanvantri came with the coveted pot in his hands.
The gods and the demons fought to posses the pitcher. In this process, some drops of the immortal nectar splashed and fell on the earth at four places namely, Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain which in course of time became the famous pilgrimage centers.
Dipawali and Holy
Haridwar is a religious place that is why every HIndu festivals is celebrated here with enthusiasm and joy.The ghats of Hariwdar look amazaing and fascinating during the Dipawali when the whole coty is decorated with lights anf diyas and Candles.The reflectoin of those lights in the river Ganga makes this place like a conglomeration of stars on the earth.
Kavand Mela
Ten days before Shivteras (during the months of Shravan & Phagun) thousands of devotees throng to Hardwar to collect holy waters of the river Ganga. Then they carry it back to their hometown & offer it at the local Shiv temple. Colourful shops spring up and Hardwar resounds to the chanting of hymns.
