Haridwar is presumed as the first step to the 4 pilgrimages in the Uttaranchal region. People go to this sacred place to purify themselves. They take dips in the holy river to get them purified. People believe that by dipping in the sacred river their mind and soul will be sanctified. With the passage of time, the holy city of Haridwar as also become a chief caner of learning arts, culture and science. Going back to the history of the region, it is believed by people that this was the place where Gods had left there footprints. According to Hindu folklore, Haridwar is one of the four places where the drops of "Amrita" - the elixir of immortality spilled over by mistake. The bird "Garuda" - the vehicle of God Vishnu was carrying the pitcher of Amrita when it accidentally fell.
