Grand Gala
By Jutismita

Haridwar is one of the four cities that host the holy Kumbh Mela (fair) alternatively in every three years. The other cities are Allahabad, Nasik and Ujjain. One such cycle completes in every 12 years when the mela ends in the holy city of Allahabad (also known as Prayag). This completing mela is called the Maha Kumbh Mela. This takes place in Allahabad because it is the meeting point of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati- three holy rivers according to the Hindu mythology. And when this cycle comes halfway to its completion then the mela is called the Ardh Kumbh.


Situated at the foothills of the Shivalik Mountain range, Haridwar stands out as a mystique land in the lap of nature. This charismatic land is actually a gateway to some remarkable pilgrimage spots in northern India. As the name suggests it is the gateway to the gods. Vedic chants, temple bells, devotional gatherings, sadhus, priests, rishis and tourists are a common sight in Haridwar. Haridwar is one of the four cities that host the holy Kumbh Mela (fair) alternatively in every three years. The other cities are Allahabad, Nasik and Ujjain. One such cycle completes in every 12 years when the mela ends in the holy city of Allahabad (also known as Prayag). This completing mela is called the Maha Kumbh Mela. This takes place in Allahabad because it is the meeting point of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati- three holy rivers according to the Hindu mythology. And when this cycle comes halfway to its completion then the mela is called the Ardh Kumbh. 

               This year, Haridwar is hosting the Ardh Kumbh and millions of people are expected to visit this largest human gathering on earth. Pilgrims gather here to take bath in the holy Ganges and wash away their sins of the past during auspicious bathing (snan) dates. This year, the mela has already started from January 14th and will go on till April 28th.

                The myth behind this mela goes back to the time of creation of this universe. After the tedious process, the creator lord Brahma had advised the gods to churn out nectar from the ocean for vigour and immortality. They took the help of the demons as it was a tough task and promised them to share the nectar afterwards. But in the end, they refused to pay back the favour and hid the nectar in these four cities. The gods feared that if the demons achieve immortality they might misuse the boon. During this hide and seek game, few drops were spilled in these four cities and they became pure forever. So, it is believed that a visit to one of these cities can confer salvation.

                The word Kumbh literally means the pot of nectar and the idea behind this fair was to spread sanctity among the believers. In other words, the Kumbh mela signifies the celebration of devotion, harmony and purity. The Kumbh mela is an amazing event to witness incredible people from different strata of the society. For example, the Naga sadhus from different parts of the India do not believe in worldly pleasures and they are usually naked. Their ash smeared bodies are immune to any extreme weather conditions.

The Essence
                Haridwar is well connected by all the air and rail routs from the all major cities in India. The nearest airport is Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport and it is only 52 Kms from Dehradun to Haridwar by road. Buses and taxis are available from all the nearest cities. Delhi is 214 Kms away and it takes only 5-6 hours by bus or car to reach Haridwar. Taking the road is a better option as the plethora of greenery will lighten your mood and as you precede, Haridwar welcomes you to an experience of a life time. A stop over at any of the roadside dhabas will satisfy your palate.

Haridwar is also a foodie's delight serving all kinds of north Indian cuisines. There are many famous eating places in Haridwar. You can enjoy the food at the Sindh Dudh Bhandar near the station road which is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. This place serves excellent lassi and chhole bhature. First started in the year of 1948, this place is also the first AC restaurant in the town. A satisfied taste bud and some historical moment at this place will serve you a great deal of nostalgia later on.

                Since, the fair attracts millions of people from all over the world, accommodation can be a problem. So, make sure you book your lodging before setting out. Otherwise, Haridwar has innumerable private and government run hotels and lodges suitable to every pocket. This year, the Uttarakhand Government has organized a special Ardh Kumbh camp. They are pocket friendly and luxurious.

                Haridwar, being a hub of pilgrimage, is not known for any exotic shopping experience but the Khadi Emporium, Moti Bazar, Upper Road, Jwalapur, Kankhal are few places that offer good buys. Otherwise, souvenirs like small statues made of stones and beads are available in small shops across the city. Rudraksh malas are hot favourites among the buyers. 

                It doesn't matter if you are not much of a religious person. The Ardh Kumbh is not all about religious activities. It is indeed the great example of the old Indian saying ‘unity in diversity’. The festivity in the air can actually heal your soul. A yoga session or an Ayurvedic spa massage will definitely reboot your trashfilled system. The city offers different yoga camps running all over the year. But confirm the authenticity of such yoga camps before jumping off or else just roam around the streets and the fun will never end. Don't forget to take camera with you. The artist in you will definitely come alive. Millions of moments and you will fall short of space for your snaps.

                Haridwar is also a foodie's delight serving all kinds of north Indian cuisines. There are many famous eating places in Haridwar. You can enjoy the food at the Sindh Dudh Bhandar near the station road which is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. This place serves excellent lassi and chhole bhature. First started in the year of 1948, this place is also the first AC restaurant in the town. A satisfied taste bud and some historical moment at this place will serve you a great deal of nostalgia later on.

                Apart from the mela, Haridwar is an ultimate destination for nature lovers. Hilly sites, crystal clear water in the mountain lakes and adventure sports- you can be a part of this great celebration. The Ardh Kumbh mela is just another reason to enjoy this great fusion of divinity and nature. Crowded ghats, incense filled air, breath taking natural beauty, riots of colour at the mela, numerous human faces- everything combined together make this place an amazing destination.

What is so unique about this place is that there is a certain sense of serenity in spite of the entire hustle bustle. Redemption of your soul can not be guaranteed but you will definitely be able to rediscover your true self in this mystic city. And what can be a better time to visit Haridwar than these holy months of this Ardh Kumbh Mela? The passion of the devotees, the essence of the rituals and the pleasure of witnessing this mass gathering can never be explained in words. Just go ahead and witness this great Indian saga of religious fervor