Introduction to Ganges: Ganges, the soul of India. For Hindus, it is the most sacred symbol. Hindus believe that the Ganges is the incarnation of the goddess and the "source of atonement." The holy water of the Ganges can wash away the sins and illnesses of a lifetime and make the soul pure and ascend to heaven. One after another Hindu holy cities were born beside the Ganges, the most famous of which are Varanasi, Allahabad, and Haridwar. As a Hindu, you must go to the Ganges River for purification at least once in your life. Therefore, for thousands of years, pilgrims' footprints have spread all over the banks of the Ganges, and poets and singers often chant along the river. The banks of the Ganges remain the quintessence of India to this day.