Ganga River System: Origin, Course & Major Tributaries
The Ganga River System is one of India’s most significant river networks, shaping the lives of millions and supporting diverse ecosystems along its journey. Let’s dive into its origin, course, and important tributaries in a way that’s easy to understand! Origin of the Ganga River The Ganga River originates high in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Its source is the Gangotri Glacier , located near a place called Gaumukh (meaning “cow’s mouth”) at an altitude of approximately 3,892 meters (12,770 feet) . At its source, the river is known as the Bhagirathi River . According to Hindu mythology, it is named after King Bhagirath, whose penance brought the Ganga down to Earth to purify the ashes of his ancestors. The Bhagirathi flows through steep valleys and rugged mountain terrain, collecting water from several small streams. At Devprayag , the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda River (which itself originates from the Satopanth Glacier near Badrinath). From this sa...