Uttaranchal Rivers
Uttaranchal-
A Land of Rivers
Uttaranchal is known for its geographical features, the rocky terrains,
lofty mountains, vast green meadows, snow capped hilltops, forests and
free flowing rivers. Two of the major rivers of India, Ganga and Yamuna
originate in Uttaranchal. These rivers are highly revered by Hindus and
finds special place in their hearts. Apart from these two, there are
many other small rivers, which flow from Tibet and Nepal. There are many
tributaries of Ganga and Yamuna. The rivers flow across the mountains of
Uttaranchal, and later enters the plains of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The
water in the Uttaranchal rivers is very pure, due to its free flow and
pollution free locality. Some of the rivers are said to be containing
healing properties, due to high Sulphur content in water. On the whole,
rivers in Uttaranchal are a way of life, a symbol of high ascetic value,
and of great cultural significance.
Major Rivers
Ganga
Ganga, the holiest of all rivers for Hindus, has its origin in
Uttaranchal. Gangotri, the origin place of Ganges, is a highly revered
place and forms a part of Char Dham in the state. Ganga starts here as
Bhagirathi. The popular myth says that king Bhagirath performed very
hard meditation to ask god for water of Ganga, to wash away the sins of
his ancestors. Ganga came to earth and was trapped by Shiva in his
locks. Shiva opened a lock of his hairs and Ganga came out to stay
permanently on earth. Ganga is supposed to be very sacred, and is
worshipped in all the cities, where it flows. A bath in Ganga is
supposed to wash away all the sins of life. It has been studied by
scientists that the water of Ganga at its origin is in a pure state and
even after being kept for several years, does not get contaminated.
These medical properties of Ganga water are attributed to the medicinal
secretions of herbs and mineral content which get mixed with the water.
Yamuna
Yamuna is another highly worshipped rivers in India. The river has its
origin in Yamunotri, a glacier in North Uttaranchal. Yamuna, as per
mythology, is considered to be daughter of lord Sun, and sister of
Yamaraj, the god of death. Yamuna flows from Uttaranchal and reaches
Allahabad, via Delhi, where it confluences with Ganga. Yamuna is also
considered very holy and is the main source of water in Delhi, capital
of India. Yamunotri is also a part of Char Dham Yatra in Uttaranchal.
Other Rivers
The Mahakali originates north of the main Himalayan range, carves its
way through the greater Himalayas and merges with the Ganges in the
plains. The Kali river and its valley are prominent in Kumaon. At one
time, the Kali Valley was the standard trade route from India to Tibet,
crossing over the Lipu Lekh pass.
Other rivers and there tributaries in Uttaranchal are Bhagirathi,
Dhauli Ganga, Girthi Ganga, Rishi Ganga, Bal Ganga, Bhilangna River,
Tons River, Alaknanda, Mandakini, Pindar and Mandakini.
Adventure Sports
The rivers in Uttaranchal are said to offer the best rafting
oppurtunities in world. Equipments and other related items are arranged
by rafting agencies. The Ganga with its frothing and foaming waters
throw up a challenge that no rafter on this earth can look away from.
The speed, when the rivers flow downstream, is perfect for rafting,. The
rafting standards in Garhwal meet upto grade IV and V in some stretches.
In Kumaon, the Kali Ganga (Sharda) flows down from the Nepal border,
through the Kumaon hills. The difficulty level here touches grade IV and
V.
