Ganges

The Ganges is considered sacred in Hindu culture, with its headwaters mythologically linked to the matted locks of Shiva.

The Ganges Delta is the world's largest delta, covering about 64,000 km2 (25,000 sq mi).

The Ganges is personified as the goddess Ganga, becoming a focal point for pilgrimage and the development of cities like Varanasi and Haridwar.

Hindus believe that a dip in the Ganges on Ganga Dashahara can rid them of ten lifetimes of sins.

The Ganges is considered both a vehicle of descent from heaven to earth and ascent from earth to heaven in Hindu tradition.