HAR-KI-PAURI
A group of mythical ghats that make Haridwar great, the city's holiest site where Hindus go to purify themselves
Har-Ki-Pauri is the set of mythical ghats that make Haridwar great. In Hindi, it means "God's footprint"; indeed, Vishnu would have left in the stone an imprint of his feet, now covered by the Ganges. It is the most sacred place in Haridwar, where Hindus meet all day for a purifying bath. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. Be careful, Indians in uniform will ask you for a donation which they will present as obligatory (they will show you a register and an official card), but it is not! You are free to make a donation if you wish - but don't be fooled! Every evening at dusk, pilgrims gather here for the Ganga Aarti ceremony, which is the worship of the Ganges. During this very cheerful ceremony, the atmosphere is tinged with magic: the faithful place candles and offerings on the river, the bells ring and people pray while singing. The puja is a ritual of invocation allowing to provoke the "descent" of a divinity inside an image representing it, a statue or a symbol like the lingam. The invocation is done by a Brahmin and begins with the ringing of a bell to call the deity, followed by a series of offerings (fresh flowers, food, incense) accompanied by music and the recitation of mantras. Meet at the Clock Tower around 6:30/7:00 pm (before sunset), where you will have the best view to admire the ceremony.