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FAIR,  FESTIVAL  AND  MAHOTSAV  OF HARIDWAR

Haridwar is one place where fairs are being organized with full enthusiasm  round the year, such as Somwati Amavasya, Kartik Poornima, Shravan Poornima, Ganga Dussehra and other important bathing dates of Hindu calendar. The Kanwad mela during the month of Shravana is very popular among masses in which lacs of devotees of Lord Shiva come to Haridwar to take holy water of river Ganga. Apart from these, Kumbh mela and Ardh Kumbh mela at the interval of 12 and 6 years respectively do not need any introduction.  District administration had also organised 'Haridwar Mahotsava', a 3-4 day cultural festival on the bank of river Ganga and 'Ayurveda Mahotsava'. Besides this 'Urs' is organized annually at the holy dargah of Piran Kaliyar in which people of all sects participate and pray for their well being.

Ardh Kumbh & Kumbh Mela :::
Though all the Hindu festivals are celebrated here with pomp and gaiety, it is the Ardh Kumbh & Kumbh Mela which attracts the mind of any tourist to this place.
The history of Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe legends. Mythologicals state that the Gods and the Demons once churned the ocean to retrieve the Kumbh (pot) containing nectar of immortality (Amrit). As Dhanvantri, the divine healer appeared with the Kumbh containing nectar in her palms. A great fight followed between the Gods and the Demons to wrist the pitcher. During the fierce battle in the sky, a few drops of nector fell at four different places, Prayag, Hardwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Since then devotees converge to commemorate this divine event.

The Ardh Kumbh is held every six years and than after six years Kumbh Mela is held. It is said that a holy dip in the river Ganges during the Kumbh & Ardh Kumbh gives you Moksha or Nirvana. People gather in huge number to take the holy dip during these holy days. There are Saints, Naga Sadhus, Politicians almost every one is here. The city is overflowing with people. If going to Hardwar during the Kubh or Ardh Kumbh then avoid the over crowded ghats. Every there are reports of stampedes and the various factions or Akharas of Sadhus clash with each other. Ensure your accommodation well in advance if going during the Kumbh.

Kavand Mela :::
Ten days before Shivteras (during the months of Shravan & Phagun) thousands of devotees throng to Hardwar to collect holy waters of the river Ganga. Then they carry it back to their hometown & offer it at the local Shiv temple. Colourful shops spring up and Hardwar resounds to the chanting of hymns.

Following table shows month wise festivals/fairs arranged in this district and approximate no. of  visitors to them.