Devaprayag
Explanation
The River Ganga is formed by the confluence of two principal headstreams in the Garhwal Himalayas: the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda. The Alaknanda river meets various tributaries at points known as 'Prayags' before forming the Ganga.
- Devaprayag: This is the final and most significant confluence where the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda. From this point downstream, the river acquires the name Ganga.
- Haridwar: This is the point where the Ganga breaks through the Siwalik Range and enters the plains of Northern India.
- Allahabad (Prayagraj): This city marks the confluence (Triveni Sangam) of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the invisible Saraswati, located far downstream in the plains.
- Rishikesh: Situated upstream of Haridwar, the Ganga flows through this town after the confluence at Devaprayag but before entering the plains.
Key Takeaway: The 'Panch Prayag' (Five Confluences) on the Alaknanda River in descending order are Vishnuprayag (Dhauliganga), Nandaprayag (Nandakini), Karnaprayag (Pindar), Rudraprayag (Mandakini), and Devaprayag (Bhagirathi).