The Ganges has been a symbol of
India's age-long culture and civilization, ever changing, ever flowing, and
yet ever the same Ganga.
Jawaharlal
Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, born in Allahabad on the Ganges.
Background:
The river known as the Ganges is officially and popularly known by its
Hindu name, Ganga. The river Ganges is very sacred to the Hindus. The river
has its source in the Himalayas, at Gaumakh in the southern
Himalayas on the
Indian side of the Tibetan border. It is 1 560 miles (2 510 km) long and
flows through China, India,
Nepal
and
Bangladesh. The
Ganges river basin is one of the most fertile and densely populated in the
world and covers an area of 400 000 sq miles (1 000 000 sq km). The river
flows through 29 cities with population over 100,000, 23 cities with
population between 50,000 and 100,000, and about 48 towns.
Ganga in The Hindu Myth:
According to Hindu mythology, Ganga flowed in the heavens but then was
ordered to go down to earth. Fearing that her forceful descent might wash
away the earth, the gods sought the help of Shiva. Shiva broke the fall of
Ganga-Ganges by capturing her in his mighty locks. Since then, Ganga-Ganges
resides on top of Shiva's head as his second wife, the first being Parvati.
Surrounding Pious Cities:
Religious
Significance: 
