What exactly is Tarpan and why is Haridwar a chosen location for it?

Tarpan is a sacred Hindu ritual of offering water, often mixed with black sesame seeds (kala til), to satisfy the souls of departed ancestors (Pitrus), as well as deities (Devas) and ancient sages (Rishis). Performing Tarpan in Haridwar is highly significant because Haridwar is one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri), and the ritual is performed using the holy water of the Ganges River at a point (Gangadwara) where it’s considered exceptionally pure and spiritually potent, believed to directly benefit the ancestors.