Ganges River

I begin as a tiny, cold trickle of water, high up in the snowy mountains called the Himalayas. I giggle as I tumble over smooth, grey stones, playing a splashy game with the rocks. Drip, drop, splash. I grow bigger and wider as more little streams rush to join me, and soon I am a strong, flowing river. On my journey down the mountains, I listen to the world wake up. I hear temple bells ringing softly and children shouting with joy as they play near my banks. The sun paints the sky with pink and orange every morning, and I love to sparkle right back at it. I flow through busy towns and quiet green fields, carrying secrets and songs on my waves. People have known me for thousands of years. I am the Ganges River, but many people who love me call me Mother Ganga.

I have been flowing for a very, very long time. So long that I have watched great cities grow right beside me. One of my oldest and dearest friends is the city of Varanasi. I have watched its colorful buildings change and its people celebrate for thousands of years. Do you want to know a special story about how I began. It’s a secret from the stars. Long, long ago, a very kind king named Bhagiratha prayed and prayed for me to come to Earth. He wanted me to bring peace and happiness to his people. The beautiful goddess Ganga heard his prayers from her home in the heavens. She was so touched by his good heart that she agreed to come down from the sky and become a river for everyone on Earth. That is why so many people believe I am special and sacred. They say my water can wash away worries. They come to visit me to feel calm and peaceful. I love watching the festivals they have for me. At night, they float tiny lamps on my water, and it looks like I am holding a thousand twinkling stars. I’ve carried boats filled with bright flowers, sweet fruits, and wonderful treasures for centuries. Every little light and every happy song is a precious memory I keep in my flowing heart.

Today, I am still very busy. I give water to farmers so their crops can grow tall and green, providing food for many people. I am also a home for special animals you won't find anywhere else, like the playful Ganges river dolphin that sometimes leaps out of my water to say hello. Sometimes, my water gets dirty from trash and pollution, and that makes me sad. But it also gives me hope when I see so many kind people working together to help clean me up. They want to make sure I stay healthy and strong. I will keep flowing for many, many more years, connecting people, animals, and nature together. My journey is not over. I will continue to carry stories and songs, and with a little help from my friends, I hope to sparkle cleanly and brightly for all the children of the future.