The holy city of Haridwar, geographically situated in the Shivaliks, is at the threshold of the four most revered pilgrimages of Hindus in Uttaranchal, namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri respectively. Haridwar is also among the seven most revered places of Hindu pilgrimage in India. The pious place is known by two names among the devotees. The name Hardwar and Haridwar is pronounced and enchanted by the followers of Lord Shiva (Shaivaites) and Lord Vishnu (Vaishnavites) respectively. In literal sense, the word Hardwar or Haridwar connotes to Dwar of Hari or Dwar of Har, and also alluding to Gateway to God.

As per mythological references, it is believed that great Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath did penance to purge the souls of his forefathers from the curse of sage Kapila. It was the result of hard penances performed by the suryavanshi prince that river Ganga or Ganges, oozed from Lord Shiva's tresses and its holy water resuscitated the 60-thousand sons of king Sagara. Keeping the tradition of Suryavanshi prince Bhagirath alive, today, devotees stand in holy waters of the Ganges and pray for the recluse of their departed ancestors.

Hardwar or Haridwar, is also considered as the gateway to sources of the Ganges and the Yamuna, 3000 to 4500 meters in the snowy mountain peaks in central Himalayan ranges. The most spectacular of the rituals performed in the holy place along the banks of Ganges are 'Aarti' or the worship of the Ganges and the floating 'DIYA' (lamp), both performed after sunset.

Haridwar is one of the four places (others being, Ujjain, Nasik, and Allahabad) where elixir of immortality, Amrita, fortuitously trickled out from the pitcher, while it was being carried by celestial bird Garuda. Garuda was carrying Amrita after Samudra Manthan. Today, these four holy places namely, Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik, and Allahabad have become the popular spots for Kumbha Mela., celebrated once every 3 years. It is only after a period of 12 years that Maha Kumbha Mela is celebrated at Prayag in Allahabad, where millions of pilgrims, and tourists from across the world come to be the part of this magnificent event, As the part of ritual, they take holy bath in the Ganges to purge their souls of the evils. Haridwar can be visited all through the year with zeal and fervor.