Events & Festivals

Ceremonies and cultural events in Haridwar

Kumbh Mela 2027

Jan 14 – Apr 20 • History, dates, mythology, tips

daily

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Must Attend

The most iconic spiritual experience in Haridwar. Priests perform an elaborate fire ceremony on the banks of the Ganges as thousands of floating diyas illuminate the river. The evening aarti is the main attraction, but the morning aarti is equally powerful and far less crowded.

evening:6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (winter) / 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (summer)

morning:5:30 AM – 6:30 AM

Har Ki Pauri

•Arrive 30-45 minutes early for good viewing spots

•Upper steps of the ghat offer the best view

•Remove shoes before entering the ghat area

•Carry small change for puja items (₹20-50)

•Morning aarti is equally beautiful and much less crowded

major festival

Maha Kumbh Mela 2027

Must Attend

The largest religious gathering on Earth, held every 12 years. The 2027 Kumbh Mela in Haridwar (officially Ardh Kumbh) is expected to draw 170 million visitors over its 3-month duration. Pilgrims bathe in the Ganges for spiritual purification.

14 Jan 2027 — 20 Apr 2027

Shahi Snan (Royal Bath) Dates

14 Jan — Makar Sankranti — Opening Royal Bath

6 Mar — Maha Shivaratri

8 Mar — Basant Panchami related

14 Apr — Baisakhi — Closing Royal Bath

Har Ki Pauri and surrounding ghats

•Book accommodation months in advance

•Shahi Snan dates see the largest crowds — plan accordingly

•Government tent cities provide affordable stays

•Carry minimal belongings to the ghats

•Follow police and volunteer directions for safety

•Mobile networks get congested — set meeting points in advance

annual festival

Kanwar Yatra

One of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world. Millions of Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) walk from their hometowns to Haridwar to collect Ganges water and carry it back to pour over Shiva lingams in their local temples. The route is lined with camps offering free food and rest.

July–August (Hindu month of Shravan)

Throughout Haridwar, especially Har Ki Pauri

•Expect extreme crowds and road closures

•Major roads between Delhi and Haridwar are affected

•Avoid driving on the Kanwar route during peak days

•Accommodation prices spike significantly

annual festival

Diwali & Kartik Purnima

Diwali in Haridwar is a magical sight — thousands of earthen diyas float down the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri, creating a river of light. Kartik Purnima, the full moon night after Diwali, is considered especially auspicious for bathing.

October–November

Har Ki Pauri

•One of the most photogenic times to visit

•Buy diyas from vendors at the ghat (₹10-20)

•Kartik Purnima is less crowded than Diwali itself

annual festival

Ganga Dussehra

Celebrates the descent of the River Ganges from heaven to earth. Falls on the 10th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May/June). Devotees take holy dips and perform special pujas.

May–June (Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami)

All ghats, especially Har Ki Pauri