A windy day, I embarked on another challenging detour, that was walking to the spot where the holy river Ganga bifurcates as Bhagirathi and Padma in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
I call this walk challenging because the entire walk required permission from the Border Security Force, being on the Bangladesh border area.
What if they did not permit me to walk and take river images? These thoughts did perturb me for a while but I decided to put my best efforts to accomplish my objective.
The right distributary of Ganga, the Bhagirathi, also called Hoogly further downstream, flows into India and merges in the sea at Gangasagar island of West Bengal.
The left distributary of Ganga, the Padma flows into Bangladesh after sharing a long riverine border with India and merges in the sea at Hatia island there.
As per my research, that significant spot where Bhagirathi and Padma emerge, was somewhere between Dhulian and Jangipur, a stretch of around 29 km. After walking some distance in the interiors, I spotted watch towers and realized the whole area comes under border security. So the first thing I needed was to take permission. I met BSF officers in Jangipur. Explained to them about my Ganga exploring. Showed my travel blog which has a category of Ganga Walks with plenty of posts on my exploratory Ganga walks. At numerous occasions in the past my travel blog has served as guarantee to my noble purpose and I hoped the same now. Officers were convinced. They appreciated my efforts and not only let me walk and capture river images but also guided me to the place where Ganga bifurcates. That place is Nimtita. At Nimtita BSF camp, after completing the documentation process one officer was assigned to take me along to the river bed where river Ganga bifurcates.
I folded my hands in gratitude to the divine Ganga and then looked at the siblings, Bhagirathi and Padma.
Felt elated seeing the origin of the river Padma as I had already been to Hatia island in Bangladesh where Padma merges into the sea.
I saw Padma in good health at her source here.
Felt very emotional when looked at Bhagirathi. She is venerated as the sacred Ganga in India. For me too. But I saw Bhagirathi NOT in good health at Nimtita, in the post monsoon season. There were massive sand deposits with shallow water patches. At Nurpur I found Bhagirathi flowing but noticed a water channel of Bhagirathi turning left again as if sending love to sibling Padma while herself getting dry for some distance until Ganga feeder canal from Farakka barrage infuses life into Bhagirathi at Jangipur and merges with it, giving Bhagirathi Ganga good flow from there onwards.
When I took this unusual detour of Gangaji, I just knew that I will be richer in my understanding of the sacred river and share the same.
Oh, gosh, that water is so LOW! I can’t believe it.
In lean season this scenario pops up at many stretches where water level goes down.
Wow that is quite the experience! It’s incredible to see these little traveled areas like this. Thank you for sharing these pictures!
Exploring the unexplored…
Wow! I still cannot believe that there will be a time that the river will have a very low water level. I can’t believe it, it is my first time to see and knew about it.
Yes it so happens.
I could almost feel the excitement and a bit of apprehension as you navigated the Bangladesh border area for those incredible river images.
It was a gutsy detour indeed.
It was good that you were able to continue your walk, the scenery is stunning.
I was so happy that I could continue my walk and achieve my objective.
This is fascinating. I would love to explore these areas especially the communities around the river…Really fascinating.
Indeed fascinating.
What a wonderful experience to see another country like that. The water is really low!!
Indeed so.
Quite an experience, I’d have been worried too if someone didn’t permit me to walk. Poor river having all the sand deposits x
I wont have been able to explore if I had not got the permission.
You found a very interesting river. The story behind it is so interesting.
Truly fascinating.
Obtaining permission and support from BSF officers for your Ganga exploration is truly commendable. It’s inspiring to see your dedication and the appreciation for your efforts. Can’t wait to follow along and see the amazing captures from the place where Ganga bifurcates. Safe travels and keep sharing your fascinating Ganga Walks!
It’s all with divine grace that I am able to do.
It’s very brave for you to take on these travels alone and in such uncertain territories. I’m glad it worked out for you and you made it through!
Indeed very challenging.
I agree, I would have been slightly nervous as well, but I am glad everything worked out. You were able to get some fantastic photos as well, thanks for sharing your journey.
I thank divine that everything worked out.
Fabulous pictures from your walking trip! You’ve captured the essence of the rivers and the people living by its virtue and protection. Such a memorable exploration!
And yes, you are gutsy, walking along the river all by yourself!
I feel blessed to be able to do so.
I think I also would be cautions if I needed a bunch of permissions to take a walk! I am glad you were able to do it.
With divine grace I got the permission.
Super gorgeous pics and loved reading the post. The water level in some places are alarmingly low, but I beleive once the lean season gets over, things get back to normal.
Thank you Hari.