ब्रह्मपुत्र Brahmaputra
Son of Brahma - The Mighty River of the East
Geographical Details
Basic Information
- Source:
- Angsi Glacier, Tibet
- Length:
- 2,900 km
- Basin Area:
- 651,334 km²
- Mouth:
- Bay of Bengal
- Countries:
- China, India, Bangladesh
Sacred Geography
- • Pasighat: First town in India
- • Dibrugarh: Tea capital of India
- • Guwahati: Major city on the banks
- • Majuli: World's largest river island
- • Dhubri: Important river port
- • Sundarbans: Delta region with mangroves
Major Tributaries
Left Bank Tributaries
- Dibang: Major tributary from Arunachal Pradesh
- Lohit: Flows through Arunachal Pradesh
- Dhansiri: Flows through Assam and Nagaland
Right Bank Tributaries
- Subansiri: Gold-bearing river from Himalayas
- Kameng: Flows through Arunachal Pradesh
- Manas: Flows through Bhutan and Assam
Cultural & Religious Significance
Son of Brahma
Brahmaputra literally means "Son of Brahma" in Sanskrit. According to Hindu mythology, the river was born from the kamandalu (water pot) of Lord Brahma. The river is considered masculine, unlike most other rivers in India which are considered feminine. In Assamese culture, it's called "Luit" and is deeply revered as the lifeline of Assam, supporting agriculture, transportation, and cultural identity.
Cultural Festivals
- • Bihu: Assamese New Year celebrated on riverbanks
- • Majuli Festival: Cultural celebration on river island
- • Boat Racing: Traditional competitions during festivals
- • River Worship: Prayers for good harvest and protection
Ecological Importance
- • Biodiversity: Rich aquatic and terrestrial life
- • Wetlands: Important bird migration route
- • Agriculture: Fertile alluvial soil deposition
- • Fisheries: Major source of fish for the region
Unique Features
Majuli Island
The world's largest river island, Majuli, is formed by the Brahmaputra. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and center of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture with numerous satras (monasteries).
Tidal Bore
The river experiences a unique phenomenon called tidal bore, where ocean tides push upstream creating waves that can travel hundreds of kilometers inland.
Braided River System
Brahmaputra is known for its braided channel pattern, constantly changing course and creating new channels, making it one of the most dynamic river systems in the world.
Complete Brahmaputra Information
Download a comprehensive PDF with detailed information about Brahmaputra, including maps, tributaries, and cultural significance.
Download Brahmaputra PDF