The Ganges has been considered a sacred river in Hinduism for thousands of years. Millions of Hindus perform religious rituals, such as purification rites and the disposal of the deceased, in the river. How have these long-practiced rituals affected the river today? The level of the river has dropped due to considerable use.

The river has become one of the most polluted in the world.

The river is one of the cleanest rivers in the world since it is considered sacred.

The course of the river has been altered to feed into temples.