The word "Ganga" is a proper noun used to refer to the Ganges river, which is considered sacred in Hinduism. With a long "a" sound, the first letter "G" is pronounced as /ɡ/, while the second letter "a" is pronounced as /æ/. The third letter "n" is pronounced as /ŋ/, similar to the sound produced when pronouncing "ring". Finally, the last letter "a" is pronounced as /ə/. In summary, the IPA phonetic transcription for "Ganga" is /ˈɡæŋɡə/.
Ganga, also known as the Ganges, is a noun that refers to one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism. It is a transitive name in Sanskrit, meaning "swift," "fast-flowing," or "gushing forth." The river holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus, who believe that it has the power to cleanse sins and provide spiritual enlightenment.
The Ganga stretches over 2,525 kilometers, originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas and flowing through the northern part of India into the Bay of Bengal. It passes through several major cities, including Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Varanasi, and Kolkata. The river Ganga acts as a lifeline for approximately 500 million people who live in its basin, supplying water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes.
Being considered a manifestation of divinity, the Ganga is personified as the goddess Ganga herself by Hindus. Devotees often partake in pilgrimages to bathe in its holy waters, which are believed to absolve them of their sins and grant salvation. Various rituals and ceremonies, including the immersion of ashes of the deceased, are performed along its banks. The Ganga is also home to diverse and rich fauna, and it is considered a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
In conclusion, Ganga is an iconic river in India with deep cultural, religious, and environmental significance. It represents purity, divinity, and the life cycle in Hinduism, attracting millions of devotees and visitors throughout the year.
The word "Ganga" originates from the Sanskrit language. It is derived from the ancient root word "gam", which means "to go" or "to move", and the suffix "-ga", which denotes "born of" or "going". Therefore, "Ganga" can be translated as "moving" or "flowing". In Hindu mythology, Ganga is the sacred river in India, also known as the Ganges. It is considered a goddess and is highly revered in Hinduism.