Haridwar Diaries

Generations of Hindus have visited Haridwar to take a dip in the ice-cold section of the river Ganga to wash off their sins and cleanse their souls.

Shivering women with their wet saris, men in only their dhotis and screaming children who are desperately hoping to escape being dunked in the river are a common sight at 6am along the stepped banks or ghats.

The city comes alive at 5am as people make their way to bathe at the Ganga and worship the source of purity and prosperity. Spiritual travelers gather at various spots for Ganga Arti, the most famous being the one at Hari ki Paur.

Little ghee lamps and flowers are set off into the river lighting up the dawn with the divine aura.

The next few notes dive deeper into the various threads of my week in Haridwar.

Stay in touch and come experience the culture of Haridwar through these notes.

For, culture is the crucible in which all old forms of art in Asia are born. And exposure to the cultural mindset offers insights into the art that nothing else can.