Debunking the Myth: BHU Researcher Clarifies the Science Behind the 'Reverse Flow' of the Ganga
Varanasi — For years, the sight of the Ganga appearing to flow "backward" along the crescent-shaped ghats of Varanasi has fueled local legend and curiosity. However, science is now stepping in to clarify the phenomenon that has long captured the imagination of residents and tourists alike.
A researcher from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has addressed the circulating claims, explaining that what appears to be a reversal of the river's flow is, in reality, a classic example of river meandering.
Understanding the Phenomenon
The misconception stems from the unique geography of Varanasi. The city’s famous riverfront is built along a sweeping, crescent-shaped bend. As the Ganga approaches this bend, the physical constraints of the riverbank interact with the water’s velocity and volume.
"It is a fascinating optical and physical phenomenon, but it is not a change in the direction of the river's flow," the researcher explained. "What people observe is a result of eddy currents and the river's natural meander. As the main current hits the concave bank of the crescent, it creates localized circulating currents—eddies—which can make the water near the shore appear to be moving in the opposite direction to the main stream."
Nature, Not Mystery
While the sight is undeniably impressive, the BHU expert emphasized that it is a perfectly natural occurrence in large, winding river systems. The "reverse" movement is limited to the margins of the river, where water slows down and curls back toward the bank after being deflected by the curve of the shoreline.
The researcher’s clarification serves as a valuable bridge between traditional perception and geological reality:
Geological Process: This is a standard manifestation of fluid dynamics in a meandering river system.
Persistent Flow: The main body of the Ganga continues to flow steadily toward the Bay of Bengal, maintaining its path despite the local turbulence at the ghats.
Cultural Context: While science explains the mechanics, the sight remains one of the defining, beautiful characteristics of the city's relationship with the river.
Why It Matters
Varanasi’s identity is inextricably linked to the Ganga. By separating myth from mechanics, experts hope to provide both locals and pilgrims with a deeper appreciation for the river’s power and complexity.
"We don't need to turn to the supernatural to find wonder in the Ganga," the researcher added. "The river’s natural behavior is complex and awe-inspiring enough on its own."
As interest in the science of the Ganga continues to grow, this explanation serves as a reminder that the river’s secrets are best understood through the lens of both deep cultural reverence and rigorous scientific inquiry.