The Ganges River, one of the five largest rivers, is famous not only for its length but also for what happens on both banks. One day floating on the Indian Ganges River and absorb in your eyes the unique life, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down for more than 4,000 years here.
1. Where is the Ganges River in India?
Where is the Ganges River ? In which country is the Ganges River ? This is probably the question of many tourists when they want to travel to the Ganges River . The 2,510 km long Ganges River originates in the Himalayas of North Central India, flows southeast through Bangladesh and flows into the Bay of Bengal.
The Ganges River is India’s longest river. With a strong presence in ancient Hinduism, the Indian Ganges River plays a backbone role in the country ‘s religious activities . Hindus believe that the river is a sacred place and every day streams of pilgrims still flock to the city of Varanasi ( one of the holiest places in Hinduism ) . with the desire to wash away their sins on earth. Of such importance, with millions of visitors, the Ganges River today has become the center of religious, cultural and historical activities in India
On the banks of the Ganges River in India
The name of the Ganges River is named after the Hindu goddess Ganga, who is often called Ganga . The river’s basin is 907,000 km² wide, one of the most fertile and densely populated areas in the world. In India, the Ganges is more than just a river. It is also representative of religion, industry, agriculture and politics. To Hindus, the Ganges River is known as “Ganga Ma” – meaning Mother Ganges. It is the center of the spiritual life of more than a billion people. Every year, millions of Hindu pilgrims visit temples and other holy sites along the Ganges River.
Streams of pilgrims flock to the sacred river
The river is also historically important with many capitals and capitals of former empires (such as Pataliputra, Kannauj, Kara, Kashi, Allahabad, Murshidabad, Munger, Baharampur, Kampilya, and Kolkata) located along this riverbank. Described in the Mahabharata as the river born of all sacred waters’, the Ganges is personified as the goddess Ganga. Ganga’s mother was Mena and her father was Himavat, the personification of the Himalayas. In one myth, Ganga was married to King Sanatanu but the relationship came to a rocky end when the goddess was discovered to have drowned her child.
2. The importance of the Ganges River to the people of India
2.1. Legend of the Ganges River
Described in the Mahabharata as the river born of all sacred waters, the Ganges is personified as the Ganges goddess Ganga . Ganga’s mother was Mena and her father was Himavat, the personification of the Himalayas. In one myth, Ganga was married to King Sanatanu but the relationship came to a rocky end when the goddess was discovered to have drowned her child.
The Ganges River often appears in Hindu mythology as a landmark, such as the place where the famous characters Atri and the God of Death performed various ascetic acts.
2.2. The importance of the Ganges River to religion
Hindus consider the Ganges River to be a sacred river. According to Hindu belief, bathing in the Ganges River will help wash away all sins and the river water is widely used in worship rituals. Drinking Ganges water before death is a good omen and many Hindus have asked to be cremated along both sides of the Ganges River and have their ashes scattered on the river.
Hindu pilgrims often go to the holy city of Varanasi, where religious ceremonies are often performed. Every 12 years, a festival is held in Haridwar and Allahabad to bathe in the Ganges River. Pilgrims also visit other sacred sites near the headwaters of the Ganges River, including the Gangotri glacier shrine.
2.3. Significance of bathing in the Ganges River
Hindus believe that sins accumulated in past and present lives will recur from life to life until completely cleansed. That’s why they believe that bathing in the Ganges River on the most auspicious day of the festival will help erase all sins, wash away karma and bring good luck. The event, attended by between 70 and 100 million people, is growing larger and could be considered the largest gathering of humanity in history. Water from the Ganges River is also collected by devotees and brought home for use in rituals and worship.
3. The most exciting experience on the Indian Ganges River
3.1. Watch dolphins swimming in the river
When traveling on the Ganges River, you will have the opportunity to encounter schools of dolphins swimming alone or in groups right next to the boat. However, dolphins in the Ganges are also endangered due to the large number of people here, so don’t be too disappointed if you don’t see them!
3.2. Water burial and cremation of the deceased in the Ganges River
For many people, coming to the city of Varanasi, taking a boat trip on the Ganges River, and witnessing water burials on both sides of the river is the most unforgettable experience in their lives. Especially among countless experiences, tourists are often impressed with the ritual of water burial and cremation of the dead on the Ganges River – this is a unique and distinct cultural feature with a long history in India. The cremation ceremony can be held at any time of the day, but the opportunity to witness a water burial at dawn on the Ganges River will be more memorable.
3.3. River rafting to Rishikesh
For something a little more intense, try rafting in Rishikesh – a rough water body with wild, uninhabited landscapes.
