Nikki and Hemal celebrate their marriage in Hindu style. These clips will be relevant for teaching Religious Education at KS2 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and First and Second Level in Scotland. The Mythology of the Ganges . Thank you. The delta also experiences strong cyclones both before the start of the monsoon season, from March to May, and at the end of it, from September to October. The source of the Ganges is located in the Himalayas. This water became the Ganges (or Ganga). It is understood as the personification of the Goddess Ganga . Then they're actually burning dead bodies here. The surrounding river basin has a population of more than four hundred million people. They meet a local scientist as they travel along the river, and discuss how the river is deemed sacred to Hindus and a lifeline to local people who use the river to irrigate their crops, to wash and to travel, yet it is heavily polluted. This is an ideal resource for your RE topic on the Hindu Dharma faith or a study of India. There are an estimated 140 fish species and 90 amphibian species in the Ganges River. Why is the river Ganga considered as a holy river? If people like, care for the river and respect it why do they like dump their sewage waste and rubbish inside it. The Ganges River carries nutrient rich sediment as it flows, depositing fertile soil along its shores. Death is a key part of this cycle and is treated with specific importance. The western coastline of the delta, however, has remained practically unchanged since the 18th century. The Ganges has been revered from the earliest times and today is regarded as the holiest of rivers by Hindus. They believe that bathing in its waters washes away sin. By continuing to use this site, you consent to the terms of our cookie policy, which can be found in our. Up to 40 million people come to purify themselves in the water, the biggest gathering of people on Earth. dangerous as a barrage or a dam. Lesson . The water supply of the Ganges system depends partly on the rains brought by the monsoon winds from July to October. Are they burning dead bodies? 19m video. NAYAN: Ganges River Basin - National Geographic Society It is largely a tangled swampland. SUBTITLE: The Ganges River Basin is sometimes considered part of a larger river basin consisting of the nearby Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. Of those, the two main headstreams are the Alaknanda (the longer of the two), which rises about 30 miles (50 km) north of the Himalayan peak of Nanda Devi, and the Bhagirathi, which originates at about 10,000 feet (3,000 metres) above sea level in a subglacial meltwater cave at the base of the Himalayan glacier known as Gangotri. Kumbh Mela | Significance, Festival, & History | Britannica Why is the Ganges River Important? - Study.com The River Ganges in India is said to be Holy and people go there to bathe and wash away their sins. 15m video. SUBTITLE: Please note: Text within images is not translated, some features may not work properly after translation, and the translation may not accurately convey the intended meaning. Written by teachers and experts and exclusively available to TheSchoolRun subscribers, learning packs (each 50+ pages long) are fun as well as practice-packed. The Ganges River and its surrounding watershed supports one of the most fertile and densely populated regions on the planet, and its intricate web of waterways offered a stunning view to the crew of the Space ShuttleColumbia on mission STS-87. Author of, Research Associate, Center for South Asia Studies, University of California, Berkeley. On the third day after the cremation the person's family collects the ashes from the funeral ground and scatters them in a nearby river. Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives (samsara) and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived (karma). South of Haridwar, now within the state of Uttar Pradesh, the river receives its two principal right-bank tributaries: the Yamuna River, which flows through the Delhi capital region and then roughly parallels the southeastward flow of the Ganges before joining it near Prayagraj (Allahabad), and the Tons, which flows north from the Vindhya Range in Madhya Pradesh state and joins the Ganges just below Prayagraj. Learning definitely made fun. Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India and it attracts young Indian people to seek work and careers there. The Ganges River is home to many different species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Read about our approach to external linking. Hindus believe that the Ganges River was created by Lord Shiva and is blessed by him. This means that surface water and rainwater in the basin area flow into the nearby rivers. Today, river traffic is insignificant above the middle of the basin around Allahabad, but the rural people of West Bengal state in India and of Bangladesh continue to use it to transport agricultural products. Tes Global Ltd is This short film explores Hindu religion through worship described by 11 year old Vraj. Its rice and other crops feed hundreds of millions of people in India and in Bangladesh, where the river is also known as the Padma. They scatter the ashes on the river, believing that the dead will go straight to heaven. A river basin is a region that is drained by a river, such as the Ganges, and any of its tributaries. still have enough food to eat. Since you've been like on this river, have you spotted any changes? This is usually done by the male relatives of the family, lead by the chief mourner. The general direction of the rivers flow is from northwest to southeast. OK so there's actually people washing themselves. Apart from the Hugli and the Meghna, the other distributary streams that form the Ganges delta are, in West Bengal, the Jalangi River and, in Bangladesh, the Matabhanga, Bhairab, Kabadak, Garai-Madhumati, and Arial Khan rivers. Updates? Dr Sinha, has been working to save an unusual mammal that lives in the Ganges: the blind river dolphin. Learn all about the geography of the Ganges, famous places of pilgrimage and the important Kumbh Mela festival. Known as the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) River Basin, it is one of the largest river systems in the world. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. At its delta the flow is generally southward. The region, called the Sundarbans, is protected by India and Bangladesh for conservation purposes. Please note: Text within images is not translated, some features may not work properly after translation, and the translation may not accurately convey the intended meaning. After cremation the ashes are collected and usually scattered in water. AMALIA: SUBTTILE: From time immemorial it has been the holy river of Hinduism. Omissions? At the delta it is joined by the southward-flowing Brahmaputra River. The body is bathed, anointed with sandalwood, shaved (if male) and wrapped in cloth. SUBTITLE: Such changes have occurred in comparatively recent times, especially since 1750. Today, the river flows through well-populated regions of India, providing freshwater to the millions of people living in these regions. Many Hindus go on pilgrimages to holy sites along the Ganges, especially at its confluence with other rivers. This website and its content is subject to our Terms and 'During the monsoon rainy season, flooding can stretch the river to 15km wide, depositing rich sediments, known as silt, which have been picked up along the way. Although the Hindu religion is one of the oldest religions in the world, it is actually a mixture of different faiths. It is built on the banks of the River Ganges and. Prashad - food that has been offered to God and shared with everyone visiting the mandir, usually sweets, nuts or fruit. The Ganges is 1,560 miles (2,510 kilometers) long. Why is the ganges river important to hinduism? - World rivers The Ganges River. 1996 - 2023 National Geographic Society. Author of. This glacier is the source of the river Bhagirathi, which joins with the river Alaknanda to form the might river Ganga at the rocky canyon-carved town of Devprayag. Hindu people go on pilgrimages, religious journeys, to vist places that are sacred to the Hindu faith. The combined stream empties into the Bay of Bengal. Why is the ganges river important to hinduism? Brahman - the supreme God to Hindus, the Absolute. NARRATOR: 'During the monsoon rainy season, flooding can stretch the river to 15km wide, depositing rich sediments, known as silt, which have been picked up along the way. She or he will best know the preferred format. NAYAN: Traditionally a candle is lit by the head of the deceased. For fun, why not try finding the river Ganga on a map and note all the cities it passes through? We also believe that bathing in the river is said to wash away one's sins, and water from the river is used extensively in rituals. What are the main causes of pollution in the Ganges River? The outer rooms might be very beautifully decorated, but the inner room is plain and lit by oil lamps. Varansi The most sacred city in India. Its five headstreamsthe Bhagirathi, the Alaknanda, the Mandakini, the Dhauliganga, and the Pindarall rise in the mountainous region of northern Uttarakhand state. The river is very important in Hinduism they see the river as a goddess . The Ganges basin is one of the most densely populated agricultural regions in the world. Mostmandirshave a statue of the god Ganesh, who has an elephants head and a mans body. The building where Hindus worship is called a mandir. What is the Ganges River? The river Ganges in India is said to flow from the feet of the god Vishnu and is sacred to Hindus, who believe that bathing in the Ganges washes away sins. Gaumukh, which is about 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Gangotri, is considered to be the precise source of the Ganges River. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. NAYAN: The melting water from the Himalayas, as well as water from tributaries and rainfall, all feed the sacred river. Actually there used to be plenty of The deepest point of the Ganges River is around 100 feet. The combined stream, there called the Padma, joins with the Meghna River above Chandpur. In 1785 the Brahmaputra flowed past the city of Mymensingh; it now flows more than 40 miles (65 km) west of it before joining the Ganges. The city of Varanasi is one of India's oldest and holiest cities. The main left-bank tributaries in Uttar Pradesh are the Ramganga, the Gomati, and the Ghaghara. Religious songs and music are an important part of Hindu worship, as is dancing. How do Hindus express their faith today? At some of the ghats the dead are cremated, and their ashes are scattered on the Ganges. The life of human being is also concerned due to the polluted river. Your site has been fantastic. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch. Insert as Quick Facts Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Places of Hindu pilgrimage, called tirthas, that are situated on the Ganges have particular significance. The Ganges flows south and east from the Himalayas, forming a canyon as it leaves the mountain. Its valley, or basin, is 200 to 400 miles (325 to 650 kilometers) wide. Ganges River - Students | Britannica Kids | Homework Help In her youth, Lord Indra had asked for Ganga to be given to heaven to soothe the Gods with her cool waters. After translating an article, all tools except font up/font down will be disabled. A new, third level of content, designed specially to meet the advanced needs of the sophisticated scholar. Kumbh Mela A Hindu festival celebrating the victory of gods over demons. Hindus believe the river is holy and taking a dip in it will cleanse them of their sins and bring salvation. As the Bhagirathi River flows down the Himalayas, it joins the Alaknanda River, officially forming the Ganges River. 'It's gradually eroding and the silt is constantly moving around. Many Hindus come during the festival Kumbh Mela. What is the Ganges River? - Answered - Twinkl Teaching Wiki Hindus visit to bathe in the water to wash their sins away The most sacred city in Hinduism is Varanasi, as it is one of the oldest. Moksha is the end of the death and rebirth cycle and is classed as the fourth and ultimate artha (goal). BBC Two - Belief File, Hinduism: God, Hinduism in Varanasi Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so. Somemandirseven have a school inside where children can learn all about the Hindu faith, hear Hindu stories and talk about Hindu festivals. This clip is from the series Exploration India. It is the . The Ganges affects like the whole of northern India. SUBTITLE: Colour in your own rangoli patterns, Find out how to make some traditional Diwali sweets and snacksand cook some traditional dishes for Diwali, Read the Rama and Sita story on a digital book, Cook somedelicious Besan Ladoo sweets for Holi, Make some Holi crafts and print Holi colouring pagesDownload a free Holi activity pack packed with craft ideas, stories, recipes, mindfulness activities, colouring and word games from Hindu children's book publisher Jai Jais, Watch a video in which a Hindu explains her belief system to aliens, Explore paintings that tell stories of Krishna, Diwali celebrations around the world, in photographs, Videos about Hindu beliefs about God and about life after death are available on the BBC Bitesize website, In a video about Hinduism for KS1 children, Charlie and her soft toy Blue visit a mandir to hear all about Hindu worship, Listen to BBC School Radio resources about Diwali, Find out more about the festival of Diwali andthe ceremony of Ankot, The river Ganges in India is sacred to Hindus, Hear traditional stories from Hinduism (Rama and Sita and Nachiketa and Yama) on the British Library's website, See a picture of aSanskrit religious text, Watch an animated story about Krishna and King Kans and a cartoon about the birth of Krishna, The Bhaktivedanta Festival is the largest Hindu festival outside of India, Watch a video to understand more about Hindu worship, puja, and the use of Aum in prayer, Listen to the traditional Hindu tale of Lakshmi and the Clever Washerwoman on BBC Schools Radio, then complete the colouring and sequencing activities. The river is also used for fishing, irrigation, and bathing, and it is worshiped in the Hindu religion as the Mother Ganga. The oldest hymns in Hinduism, the Rig Vega, begin to be composed. This sediment helps provide the farmers with rich, fertile soil when the river floods during the monsoon. The chief cities on the Ganges system are Kolkata (Calcutta) and its suburb Haora (Howrah), on the Hugli; Varanasi (Benares); Allahabad; and Kanpur. That's five times the people living in London. Water is very important in the Hindu faith because it is said to flow between Earth and the home of the gods. Why is the Ganges River considered holy in Hinduism? Another sacred text is the Mahabharata, an epic poem which has over 100,00 verses! Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 'My granddaughter is enjoying using TheSchoolRun worksheets and eBooks they really do make learning fun. You cannot download interactives. Lesson . KS2 Simran contrasts being a pilgrim with being a tourist. 'As the Ganges flows across the plains of northern India, it slows and starts to meander, changing its direction. 'The river keeps changing every year. What is the story of Shiva and the Ganges? In a lifetime people build up karma, both good and bad, based on their actions within that lifetime. Three 13 year old pupils from London, Dua, Amalia and Nayan, are on a trip of a lifetime to explore the river Ganges in India. It is the transcendence of all arthas. The Ganges (Ganga) River is a sacred body of water to Hindus that begins high in the Himalaya Mountains and empties out into the Bay of Bengal. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. We need railways and In certain parts of the delta there occur layers of peat, composed of the remains of forest vegetation and rice plants. DUA: You can unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. The bride and groom wear the traditional celebration colours of red and gold. To the east the seaward side of the delta is being changed at a rapid rate by the formation of new lands, known as chars, and new islands. The Ganges River is known as the Ganga in Hindi and other Indian languages. The delta, the seaward prolongation of sediment deposits from the Ganges and Brahmaputra river valleys, is about 220 miles (355 km) along the coast and covers an area of some 23,000 square miles (60,000 square km). FERRY DRIVER: The Ganges is 1,560 miles (2,510 kilometers) long. The source of pollution of Ask pupils to sort these words into three lists: one for pilgrims, one for tourists and one for both. Worshipped by Millions: The Sacred River Ganges The Ganges is one of the worlds biggest rivers, and seven times the size of the river Severn, Britains longest river. Its wide valley stretches across northern India and Bangladesh from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. This makes the land. roadways to cross the river. The uses are completely different to what we do with the river Thames like we just use it to like visit it really, more boats and stuff but here people really have like a--. Hindu temples, mandirs, can look very different but they are usually square or rectangular and contain halls built one inside the other. Adding further stress to the situation, scientists have concluded that climate change has led to a decrease in glacial ice in the Himalayas, the source of the Ganges, and theorize this will result in further decreased water levels in the river over time. Anyone who dies here breaks the cycle of life and achieves moksha (enlightenment or release). A Hindu creation story involving the Goddess Ganga who became the river to save the earth from burning. It originated near the Indus . This lesson pack includes a Lesson Plan, a Lesson Presentation, success criteria grids and accompanying worksheets. Simran, aged 14, introduces herself and her Hindu religion. The Hugli (Hooghly) River, an old channel of the Ganges, flows through the delta on the west. Hindus celebrate different stages in their life with ceremonies (samskaras), and the most important are marriage (vivaha) and cremation (antyeshti). Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. SUBTITLE: How does this resource excite and engage children's learning? Each countrys portion of the Sundarbans has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Indias in 1987 and Bangladeshs in 1997. Watch an animation of the Diwali story and then make your own Diwali lantern, Do some Diwali colouringor try some Diwali crafts, including some beautiful origami lotus flowers, Diwali cards and glitter-decorated tealights, At Diwali Hindus draw rangoli patterns (colourful designs, usually created on the floor near the entrance to a house) to encourage the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, to enter their homes. For Hindus, time does not run in a straight line but in circles. In 2007, it took the fifth place as the most polluted river in the world. The two main headstreams are the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi. I am researching the theme of "Water and Religion" for next academic year. The Ganga has an important position in Hindu culture. Hinduism has grown to be the worlds third largest religion, after Christianity and Islam. BBC - Religions - Hinduism: Moksha Choose a language from the menu above to view a computer-translated version of this page. The rivers explain so much about India like, just the size of the river explains how big India is and just the way India uses the rivers explains how they are as a country. Take a minute to check out all the enhancements! drainage network of the Brahmaputra and Ganges river Ganges River, Hindi Ganga, great river of the plains of the northern Indian subcontinent. FERRY DRIVER: . Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards. Without the Ganges, India might have been a really barren landscape and it would have just been a desert. In the Bangladeshi delta region, the rivers are broad and active, carrying plentiful water and connected by innumerable creeks. As the Ganges passes from West Bengal into Bangladesh, a number of distributaries branch off to the south into the rivers vast delta. Holiday / travel / journey / prayer / spiritual / swimming / worship / happy / food / once in a lifetime / ambition / hope / change / relax / challenge / fun / deep thoughts / River Ganges / Hindus / mountains. Gangotri itself is a sacred place for Hindu pilgrimage. ', 'I'm finding your site an absolutely fantastic resource alongside the stuff being sent from my son's school. People go to the River Ganges. Hindus cast the ashes of their dead into the river, believing that this gives the deceased direct passage to heaven, and cremation temples have been built in many places on the banks of the Ganges. It is one of the most fertile of all agricultural regions. Hindu's believe that bathing in the river helps to cleanse the soul- people are baptised in the river and the ashes of people who have died are poured into the river. It all begins at the Gangotri Glacier, a huge area of ice (five by fifteen miles), at the foothills of the Himalayas (13,000 ft) in northern Uttar Pradesh. DUA: Karma - the idea that all actions have consequences which affect how people will be reborn in their next life. In every house and temple, oil lamps are lit as well as floated down rivers to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. the dolphins needs. Being 2,704 kilometres in length, the Ganges River is the third-largest river in the world. The Hugli itself is joined by two tributaries flowing in from the west, the Damodar and the Rupnarayan. The pupils discover that the course of the river changes as it slows and it deposits sediment, which affects the navigation of boats. Pilgrimage - Practices in Hinduism - GCSE Religious Studies - BBC Everyone sings and dances together as well as squirting each other with coloured water or powder! 10 Facts about River Ganges | Facts of World The implications of the river becoming shallower for navigating boats can be seen. Hinduism | TheSchoolRun there's not much industrial Things to Know - Hinduism - The River Ganga - BAPS Information on Lord Shiva, as well as the Hindu story of the Great River: how the River Ganges came to be. What are some of the other important holy texts of Hinduism? It is composed of repeated alternations of clays, sands, and marls, with recurring layers of peat, lignite, and beds of what were once forests. Top 10 facts Although the majority of Hindus live in India where the religion began, there are large Hindu communities all over the world. Although officially as well as popularly called the Ganga in Hindi and in other Indian languages, internationally it is known by its conventional name, the Ganges. Find out more. Lord Shiva realised the world would be destroyed from the floods, so stood on the earth and took the mighty force of the waterfall, changing the water into 7 streams of water. DUA: It has several headstreams. The Ganges (Ganga) River runs through northern India and is sacred to those who follow Hinduism. So habitat degradation and SUBTITLE: One of the world's great rivers, the Ganges flows across the plains of northern India for most of its course. 8. For most of its course the Ganges flows through Indian territory, although its large delta in the Bengal area, which it shares with the Brahmaputra River, lies mostly in Bangladesh.