The Ganges River (called Ganga in most Indian languages), is a river in Northern India and Bangladesh. The river has a long history of reverence in India and is worshipped by Hindus as a goddess. It is often called the 'holy Ganga' or 'Ganga ma' (mother Ganga).
The total length of the river is about 2,510 km (1,557 mi). Along with another river Yamuna, it forms a large and fertile basin, known as the Gangetic plains, stretching across north India and Bangladesh, and supports one of the highest densities of human population in the world. About one in every 12 people on earth (8.5% of world population) live in its water catchment area. Due to this incredible concentration of population, pollution and the destruction of habitats are matters of serious concern.
The picture shows Hindus putting lit candles on the Ganges thus demonstrating their immense reverence for the great river.