Kumbh Mela (every 12 years; next 2021 already passed, 2033 coming)
The greatest human gathering on earth. Millions camp for months, every sin washed away with one dip. Even the Ardh Kumbh (every 6 years) is spectacular.
Fair & Festival celebrate in Haridwar
Kanwar Yatra (July-August)
Orange-clad devotees carry Ganga water on foot for hundreds of kilometres. Haridwar turns into a river of saffron energy, and daks (camps) feed everyone free.
Somvati Amavasya
New-moon Mondays draw massive crowds for ancestral rites. The ghats are packed from midnight; the devotion is intense and humbling.
Ganga Dussehra (June)
Celebrates Mother Ganga’s descent to earth. Ten days of continuous aarti, cultural programmes and the belief that ten types of sins are washed away.
Kartik Purnima
Full moon of November. Thousands of diyas float down the river; the night sky reflects in the water like a second galaxy.
Baisakhi (April)
Sikh New Year brings thousands to Gurudwara Gian Godri. Langar feeds everyone, nagar kirtans fill the streets with music and celebration.