INDIA CROSSING THE RIVER GANGES One of the most famous and most visited sites of Haridwar; Har ki Pauri is considered as one of its five main holy sites. Har ki pauri is always crowded with devotees and priests; offering prayers to the Sun God and the holy Ganges. This place is the perfect destination for people deeply in love with religion; philosophy and spiritualism. The auspicious fair of Hindus; the Kumbh mela; is held at Har ki Pauri; after every 3 years. This sacred ghat was built on the bank of Ganges; by King Vikramaditya; in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Har ki pauri is famous for Ganga Aarti; a holy ritual of offering prayers to the Ganges. Ganga Aarti takes place on the ghat in the evening; after sunset. A group of Brahmans hold huge fire bowls in their hands and offer their holy mantras to river Ganges; Shiva - the Hindu God of destruction; Surya - the Sun God and the entire Universe. The devotees then offer flowers and earthen lamps - diyas - to river Ganges; in order to pay due regards to their ancestors in heaven. The scenario at Har ki pauri at the time of Ganga-Aarti is mesmerizing.