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PICS: The quiet splendour of the Ganga

Last updated on: May 5, 2013 10:08 IST

Presenting the many faces of India's holiest river.

The 2,525 km-long Ganga originates in the Himalayas and flows through the Gangetic Plain of North India to Bangladesh, into Bay of Bengal. As the longest river of India, the Ganga holds a place of importance amongst the Hindus. In the pages to follow, we bring you some stunning images of India's holiest and the most important rivers of all.

First up, we have this picture of a Hindu devotee stands in the waters of river Ganges to offer prayers to Sun god at dawn in Varanasi.

PICS: The quiet splendour of India's holiest river

Last updated on: May 5, 2013 10:08 IST

Hindu devotees gather to worship the Sun god on the banks of river Ganges during the Hindu religious festival Chhat Puja in Patna. Devotees worship the Sun god and fast all day for the betterment of their family and society during the festival.

PICS: The quiet splendour of India's holiest river

Last updated on: May 5, 2013 10:08 IST

Boats are moored ready for tourists to cruise the river Ganges in Kolkata.

PICS: The quiet splendour of India's holiest river

Last updated on: May 5, 2013 10:08 IST

A man walks past saris placed on the ground for drying by washermen on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi.

PICS: The quiet splendour of India's holiest river

Last updated on: May 5, 2013 10:08 IST

Hindu devotees travel in a boat in the Ganga in Varanasi. Hindus believe that dying in Varanasi and having their remains scattered in the Ganges allows their soul to escape a cycle of death and rebirth, attaining moksha or salvation.

PICS: The quiet splendour of India's holiest river

Last updated on: May 5, 2013 10:08 IST

People paddle in a canoe as the sun sets over the Ganga in Allahabad.

PICS: The quiet splendour of India's holiest river

Last updated on: May 5, 2013 10:08 IST

Indian farmers carry watermelons on a boat across the the Ganga in Allahabad.