Red River of India

Adrita

Red River of India

Did you know that all the major rivers in India have females name except for one – the Brahmaputra river. Perhaps the Brahmaputra is the only river in the world that is considered holy by four religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon. Let us dive into the different stories and legends related to this mighty river.

Illustrated by Riya Kumari: Visual Storyteller at ThisDay

Brahmaputra river, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet and is considered as the “Cradle of Tibetan Civilization”. It originates in Tibet, runs through India, and ultimately into Bangladesh.

In Hindu mythology, Brahmaputra as the name suggests is said to be the ‘son of Brahma’. The wife of sage Shantanu, Amogha, had a child with the creator of the universe, Brahma. The child took the form of water. Shantanu positioned the infant in the midst of four massive mountains: Kailash, Gandhamadana, Jarudhi, and Sambwartakka. He soon grew into the Brahmakunda, a massive lake.

The Brahmaputra is also considered as the 'red river of India'. It is believed that the river turns red for three days every year in the month of June due to the presence of one of the 108 Shakti peeths. Also, Goddess Kamakhya is said to bleed or menstruate for three days during this period which results in the Brahmaputra river, which flows near the Kamakhya temple in Assam, turn red. On the fourth day, when the door to the Devi Darshan finally opens, the Ambubachi Mela starts. The sacred water is also distributed to Kamakhya Devi's worshippers.

Though some people have put forward scientific explanations in regard to this that a red growth of algae occurred in June, causing the river's colour to change to red. However, they could not explain why it happens only for three days.

The Brahmaputra is subject to annual flooding and changing of its course thus creating new landforms. This basin's lush rainforests are home to a diverse range of flora and wildlife, as well as a number of communities. National Parks such as Kaziranga, Manas, and Kanchanjunga are located here.

The people who have settled in the Brahmaputra Basin rely on the river for their survival. This river has a significant impact on the socio-economic life of the people who live along its banks, transporting men and materials and providing opportunities for employment as fisherman, boatmen and others.

The majestic river divides into two channels in eastern Assam and then rejoins roughly 100 kilometres downstream to form the unique Majuli Island which is the world's largest human-inhabited freshwater island.

India's longest rail-cum-road bridge measuring 4.94 kilometres, known as the Bogibeel Bridge runs across the Brahmaputra contacting the districts of Dhemaji and Dibrugarh in Assam.