State: Uttarakhand

Main languages: Hindi

History 

 

Haridwar is a holy city and municipal board in the Haridwar District of Uttarakhand. The name of the city also implies Dwar of Hari or Gateway to God. This city is also regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. The city is one of the oldest cities of ancient Hindu history.  Haridwar was ruled by Maurya Empire from 322–185 BCE and Kushan Empire from the 1st–3rd century. Chinese traveler, Huan Tsang, mentions the city in his visit. Ain-e-Akbari, written by Abul Fazal of Mughal Emperor Akbar, refers to it as Mayapur. The British used the city for accessing river trade. 

 

Mythological significance:

 

The city was also known as Gangadwára in ancient times. As per the Hindu mythology this city is one among the four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality, Amrita, had spilled accidentally from the pitcher being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. The other spots include Ujjain, Nasik, and Allahabad. All these places are the hosts of the Kumbha Mela, which is celebrated once every 3 years in any of these 4 places and the Maha Kumbha Mela is celebrated on the 12th year at Prayag in Allahabad. The spot where the drop fell is known as the Brahma Kund at Har-ki-Pauri which means the "footsteps of the Lord". The city is the kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. It has been mentioned as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar [8] and Mayapuri and is the entry point for all the four 'dhams'. 

 

Geography:

 

The water of the Ganges here is cold and clear except for the rainy season. The rive flows here in a series of separated channels. The Rajaji National Park is within the bounds of the district. Haridwar is situated at height of 249.7 meters between Shivalik Hills in the North. The two major dams on the river Ganga include the 'Bhimgoda Dam' which irrigated the surrounding lands. 

 

Climate:

 

The summers temperatures range from 15 °C - 39.8°C and winters range from 6°C - 16.6°C. Monsoons arrive here around mid July.

 

Demographics:

 

As of 2001 India census Haridwar district had a population of 14, 44,213 with an average literacy rate of 70%.

 

Economy: 

 

The city is rapidly developing as an important industrial township with various major industries being set up here. Agriculture and tourism are still the major sources of income here.

 

Education:

 

The city has become a centre for various arts, science, and culture institutes. The Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and the unique Gurukul orschool of traditional education are popular here. 

 

Tourism:

 

The Har-ki-pauri is used as the main bathing ghat or bank by the Hindus. It is believed that by bathing here all sins are washed off and the unification with the divine lord is possible. There is the 'Panch Tirth' or Five Pilgrimages within the city; these include the Gangadwara or Har-ki-pauri, Kushwart Ghat, Kankhal, Bilwa Teerth or Mansa Devi and Neel Parvat or the Chandi Devi. Apart from these other holy site include the Sati kund, the Bhimogada tank, the Jairam Ashram, Sapt rishi Ashram and many more.

 

Culture and festivals:

 

The city is a dry city which does not permit the use of either alcohol or non vegetarian food here. The Ganga Dashara, Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela, Ganga Dashara, Gughal Mela are popular festivals here with the Kumbh Mela being the most important one. 

 

Transportation:

 

The city is well connected by road to National Highway 58 and has a railway station. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun along with the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

 

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