Which is the longest river in India?
The Ganga (Ganges) River is widely regarded as the longest river flowing primarily within India, although some longer rivers such as the Brahmaputra extend beyond Indian territory. Although rivers like the Brahmaputra and the Indus are longer in total length, a significant portion of their courses lies outside India, which is why the Ganga is often considered the longest river primarily within Indian territory. Therefore, the Ganga is considered the longest river that flows predominantly within Indian territory.
Where Does the Ganga River Originate?
The Ganga starts in the Himalayas and originates in the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. It first appears as the Bhagirathi River. As it flows downstream, it meets the Alaknanda River at Devprayag. It is at this junction that the Ganga officially starts.
The river flows through several Indian states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
Path and Major Cities Along the Ganga
The Ganga River basin sustains a very large population. Along its course, the Ganga flows past major cities such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kanpur, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Varanasi, Patna, and Kolkata. The river has sustained these cities and made them grow and thrive with fertile soils and a rich supply of water in the river.
The Ganga then flows into Bangladesh, where it is called the Padma and ultimately joins the Bay of Bengal.
Cultural and Spiritual Importance of the Ganga
The Ganga holds immense religious significance in India. The river is venerated as Goddess Ganga in Hinduism, symbolizing purity and spiritual liberation. Each year, millions of pilgrims come to sacred cities such as Varanasi and Haridwar to conduct rituals and ceremonies on the ghats.
Kumbh Mela, which is one of the largest religious festivals in the world, is also hosted along the Ganga and is attended by millions of faithful. It is one of the main components of Indian culture, as the river is closely linked with the time of traditional ceremonies, festivals, and everyday worship.
Economic and Environmental Role of the Ganga
The Ganga basin is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in India. It is relied upon by farmers to irrigate their farms to produce crops like rice, wheat, sugarcane, and jute. Fishing, as well as transport and most other livelihood activities, are also supported by the river.
Nevertheless, the Ganga is currently confronting quite a number of challenges, such as industrial waste polluting it, sewage being dumped into it, and even the activities of the cities around it. In response to this, the Indian government has initiated the Namami Gange Programme, which aims at cleaning the rivers, sewage treatment, and restoration of the ecosystem in the long run.
Conclusion
The Ganga is one of the most important rivers in India, with tremendous geographical, economic, and cultural significance. Its geographic, financial, and religious significance render it a lifeline for millions of people in the subcontinent.
