Ganga River Confluence: Bhagirathi and Alaknanda Meet

The formation of the River Ganga, one of India's holiest rivers, occurs at a significant confluence point in the Himalayas. The two primary rivers that merge to form the Ganga are the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda.

Understanding the Confluence Point

The Bhagirathi river, considered the headstream of the Ganga, originates from the Gangotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. The Alaknanda river originates from the Satopanth Glacier, also in Uttarakhand.

These two mighty rivers flow through different valleys before meeting at a specific location. The place where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers join their waters is known as **Devprayag**. It is at this sacred site that the river officially becomes known as the Ganga.

Significance of Devprayag

Devprayag is a town situated in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is considered one of the 'Panch Prayag' (five sacred confluences) of the Alaknanda river. The confluence at Devprayag is a major pilgrimage site, revered for marking the birth of the Ganga river.

Analysis of Options

• Rishikesh: Located downstream from Devprayag, Rishikesh is a significant city on the banks of the Ganga but is not the point of confluence for Bhagirathi and Alaknanda.
• Haridwar: Further downstream from Rishikesh, Haridwar is where the Ganga enters the plains after flowing through the Himalayas. It is not the initial merging point of the two tributaries.
• Devprayag: This is the correct location where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the Ganga.
• Rudraprayag: This is another important Prayag where the Alaknanda river meets the Mandakini river. It is upstream from Devprayag.

Therefore, the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda join to form the Ganga at Devprayag.