Pilgrims and tourists gather around a sacred fire, photographing and praying, at the bathing banks on river Ganges in Haridwar - Stockvideo

Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. Worshippers fill the city during major festivals including the Maha Shivratri and the Kumbh Mela.