Major Festivals of the Ganga-Brahmaputra Basin

The Ganga-Brahmaputra basin celebrates vibrant festivals rooted in Hindu tradition and agrarian cycles:

Ganga Dussehra (June)

Celebrates Goddess Ganga's descent; devotees bathe in the Ganges to cleanse sins.

Chhath Puja (November)

Four-day worship of Sun God Surya and Usha; involves fasting, river bathing, and sunrise prayers.

Makar Sankranti (January)

Harvest festival marking the sun's entry into Capricorn; holy dips, kite flying, and sun worship.

Durga Puja (October)

Ten-day veneration of Goddess Durga; grand pandals, feasts, and idol immersion in the river.

Kali Puja (November)

Worship of fierce Goddess Kali on the new moon; elaborate rituals and sacrifices.

These festivals unite communities across India, Bangladesh, and Nepal along the sacred rivers.