Things to know if you are travelling to Haridwar during Ganga Dussehra

Words are not enough to describe the glory and significance of Ganga Dussehra. Anyone who witnesses this festival, which is celebrated in the holy city of Haridwar, would know how revered the Ganga River is. The long-standing practice of worshiping Ganga reaches its zenith every year on the day of Ganga Dussehra.
Many people visit Haridwar on this day by braving against the summer heat. Yet, there are some practical tips that can help make your trip a bit more convenient. Read on.

Read More Ganga Dussehra: 6 destinations where Ganga’s descent from heaven is celebrated
· Do not visit Haridwar if you do not have prior confirmed reservation in a hotel/dharamshala/guest house because you may fail to find a room otherwise. For those who have planned a trip at the last hour, ask your friends or relatives to use reliable sources to get you a hotel room.
· Be cautious about your own security. There have been cases when careless people have lost their balance, slipped and drowned into the river on Ganga Dussehra. So, be extra vigilant on crowded ghats like Har-ki-Paudi and Chandi ghat.
· The evening aarti at Har-ki-Pauri ghat is the main event of the festival. In fact, it is THE event of the year that attracts numerous locals and tourists. To watch the aarti, be an early bird. The aarti starts at 6:30 PM, and all the visitors should ideally take their seats on the opposite bank by 5:15 PM. Visitors, who want to witness the aarti from the same bank where the aarti will be performed, can take their seats by 5:30 or 6:00 PM maximum.



What else to do on Ganga Dussehra?

There are free langars distributing food to anyone and everyone on Har-ki-Pauri ghat. If you wish, you may contribute whatever amount you can to these free food kitchens. Also, it is very auspicious to visit Maya Devi mandir and the adjoining Bhairon mandir and Daksheshwar Prajapati mandir on this day. We won’t recommend visiting Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi mandir because they would be too crowded on auspicious festivals like Ganga Dussehra.

So, go ahead and explore Haridwar and witness for yourself what it means to be in this ancient town on this particular day.