Why is Haridwar considered one of the holiest cities in Hinduism?

Haridwar is considered holy for multiple reasons: it is one of the Sapta Puri (seven holiest cities of Hinduism); it is the site where a drop of divine nectar (amrit) fell during the churning of the cosmic ocean, making it one of four Kumbh Mela sites; and it is the gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit of Uttarakhand. It is also the first major sacred city where the Ganga descends from the Himalayas into the plains, giving it immense spiritual significance as the entry point to the Ganga’s sacred journey through the plains of India.