India is a land of many Rituals and Beliefs. One of the beliefs that is very strong among many Indians and also with many residing abroad is taking holy dip in river Ganga. Taking Holy dip in Ganga is very historical and have mentions in mythological stories. People from all over India and also from abroad visit Ganga river throughout the year to take the Holy dip.
One of the famous places among India for taking the Holy Dip is Haridwar. Situated in Uttrakhand state and right on the banks of River the places is always over crowded with people from all walks of life.
I have visited the place in the month of July and took the colourful picture of the bank with many people already inside the river and many other getting ready to take the dip. Not only Indians, many foreigners were also present to enjoy the crowded places. As Haridwar is near to Rishikesh, there were always many visitors from outside India. ( Rishikesh is quite famous for yoga classes).
The common beliefs is that , people will get rid of their sins by taking the Holy dip in river. Ganga is considered as a pious river and wash off all the sins of this birth
The history of Haridwar goes to very ancient and have many story. One of the common story that goes around is
This Legendary king Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. God is said to have his foot print on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it all the times. Devotes feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar. Har-Ki-Pauri in Haridwar was one of the four places where Amrit was sprinkled on earth. As a result, every 12 years Khumbh comes to Haridwar and draws half a million pilgrims.
Haridwar is also very famous for many other reasons.
- Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. It literally means ‘Gateway to God,’ and it is the place where the Holy Ganges leaves the mountains to flow down God’s own town.
- Haridwar is the first place down the mountains that welcomes the holy River Ganga. In the Satya Yuga, it was Bhagiratha who brought Ganga to earth to purify the spirits of all his ancestors.
- Hundreds of devotees collect around Har ki Pauri and offer the Goddess Ganga their prayers and lit diyas, that float in Ganga’s bosom. Har ki Pauri, which literally translates into “the footsteps of God,” marks the entry point of the Ganga.
- Haridwar is a globally renowned Mecca for yoga. The city boasts of unparalleled yoga ashrams, for which bookings have to be made well in advance.
- One of the oldest cities in the world, Haridwar dates back to 1700 BC. It has even been mentioned in the chronicles of Huan Tsang (629 AD).
- Ayurveda and Hinduism are deep rooted in Haridwar; you can best observe it at Shanti Kunj. Shanti Kunj is known worldwide for its research and development in herbal and Ayurvedic sources. Here, a havan goes on continuously for world peace.
- Haridwar is the entry point for the famous Chaar Dham Yatra. Devotees, who are keen to undertake this Char Dham Yatra, need to begin their journey from Haridwar.
The crowded scene is quite common at this place. At no time it remain empty. While people enjoy the dip during day time, the place becomes very blissful during evening with chanting and devotional songs . Ganga Arti is quite famous during evening 7 PM and the entire place is lit with 1000 of lamps.
When I came across #peoplephotography contest by @worldcapture , I thought it is best way to introduce to people of India and about the holy city of Haridwar
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