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Which is the only male river in India?

India is home to a whopping 400 rivers, of which, one stands apart for its unique cultural identity. Revered for its immense power, rich mythology and vital role in sustaining millions of lives, this river is widely recognised as the country's male river

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Home to around 400 rivers, India has traditionally regarded its waterways as female deities and nurturing life-givers. Pixabay
Home to around 400 rivers, India has traditionally regarded its waterways as female deities and nurturing life-givers. Pixabay
Anuj Trehan|Jun 01, 2026, 11:34:25 IST

India, a gorgeous, diverse country criss-crossed by nearly 400 rivers, has long revered these waterways as female deities and symbols of life.

From major rivers like Ganga and Yamuna to Godavari and Kaveri, all are traditionally viewed as feminine.

However, against this backdrop, there's one that stands out for a unique reason: it is widely regarded as India's only male river.

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Any guesses as to which river are we talking about? Well, drumrolls please, it is the Brahmaputra!

Here's why the Brahmaputra considered a male river?

Well, the clue is in the name itself. Derived from Sanskrit, Brahmaputra means “Son of Brahma”.

Unlike most Indian rivers, which are associated with goddesses, the Brahmaputra is linked to Brahma, the creator god in Hindu tradition. This association has contributed significantly to its masculine identity.

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All about one of Asia's biggest river

The Brahmaputra is one of Asia's longest rivers, stretching for nearly 2,900 kilometres across Tibet, India and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, it enters India through Arunachal Pradesh and flows through Assam, where it is locally called the Luit.

The river is renowned for its vast width, powerful currents and annual floods, which enrich the surrounding floodplains.

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It also supports rich biodiversity, including the endangered Gangetic river dolphin, and serves as a crucial source of water, transport and livelihood for millions of people across the region.

Where to see the Brahmaputra?

One of the best places to experience the Brahmaputra is in Assam, where the river dominates the landscape with its sheer size and beauty.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the riverfront in Guwahati, take a ferry ride to Majuli, the world's largest inhabited river island, or embark on a river cruise to witness rural life, wetlands and wildlife along its banks.

The river also offers stunning sunset views, particularly near Umananda Island and the Saraighat Bridge, making it a must-visit attraction for travellers exploring north-east India.

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Anuj is a senior sub-editor (lifestyle desk) at Firstpost who covers food, travel, health, and fitness, mostly because they’re all excellent excuses to leave the house. Powered by coffee, he spends his downtime airplane-spotting and exploring spirituality, hoping one day to understand both turbulence and the universe.

First Published:Jun 01, 2026, 11:34:25 IST
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