In Hinduism, the river Ganga is considered sacred and is personified as a goddess Ganga. It is worshipped by Hindus who believe that bathing in the river causes the remission of sins and facilitates moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death).

The water of Ganga is considered very pure. Pilgrims immerse the ashes of their kin in the Ganges, which is considered by them to bring the spirits closer to moksha.