National Tree
Indian fig tree, Ficus bengalensis, whose branches root themselves
like new trees over a large area. The roots then give rise to more
trunks and branches. Because of this characteristic and its longevity,
this tree is considered immortal and is an integral part of the myths
and legends of India. Even today, the banyan tree is the focal point
of village life and the village council meets under the shade of this
tree.
National River
The Ganga or Ganges is the longest river of India flowing over 2,510
kms of mountains, valleys and plains. It originates in the snowfields
of the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas as the Bhagirathi River.
It is later joined by other rivers such as the Alaknanda, Yamuna,
Son, Gumti, Kosi and Ghagra. The Ganga river basin (External website
that opens in a new window) is one of the most fertile and densely
populated areas of the world and covers an area of 1,000,000 sq.
kms. There are two dams on the river - one at Haridwar and the other
at Farakka. The Ganges River Dolphin is an endangered animal that
specifically habitats this river.
The Ganga is revered by Hindus as the most sacred river on earth.
Key religious ceremonies are held on the banks of the river at cities
such as Varanasi, Haridwar and Allahabad. The Ganga widens out into
the Ganges Delta in the Sunderbans swamp of Bangladesh, before it
ends its journey by emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
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