Interesting facts

1. Haridwar literally translates to "Gateway to God" (Hari = God, Dwar = Gateway). 2. It is one of the *Sapta Puris*, the seven holiest cities in Hinduism. 3. Haridwar is one of the four sites in India that host the Kumbh Mela (along with Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj). 4. The Purna Kumbh Mela is celebrated here every 12 years, and the Ardh Kumbh every 6 years. 5. According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one of the four places where drops of *Amrit* (the elixir of immortality) fell from the celestial bird Garuda. 6. Har Ki Pauri, the most sacred ghat, means "Footsteps of the Lord." 7. An imprint of Lord Vishnu's footprint is believed to be preserved on a stone wall at Har Ki Pauri. 8. The sale and consumption of alcohol and non-vegetarian food are entirely banned within the city limits. 9. Haridwar is the starting point for the famous *Char Dham Yatra* (pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri). 10. The city was known in ancient texts as Mayapuri, after its presiding deity, Maya Devi. 11. The Upper Ganges Canal, an engineering marvel built by the British in 1854 to prevent famine in the Doab region, originates in Haridwar. 12. Haridwar borders Rajaji National Park, making it a unique blend of spiritual and wildlife tourism. 13. The city features a massive industrial hub, SIDCUL, bringing major corporations like ITC, Hero MotoCorp, and HUL to the region. 14. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has one of its largest manufacturing units and a massive residential township in Haridwar. 15. The annual Kanwar Yatra brings millions of Shiva devotees to the city every monsoon to collect holy water from the Ganges. 16. The Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples are situated on opposing hills, accessible by scenic ropeways known as *Udan Khatola*. 17. Haridwar is a global hub for Ayurveda and Yoga, heavily popularized by Patanjali Yogpeeth. 18. The Daksha Mahadev Temple in the Kankhal area of Haridwar is associated with the ancient legend of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. 19. The daily evening Ganga Aarti is a mesmerizing fire-offering ritual that has been performed for over a century. 20. Gurukul Kangri University, founded in 1902, was established to revive the ancient Indian *Gurukula* system of education.