Falgu

Falgu, also spelled Phalgu, is a river in the Indian state of Bihar. It flows through the Gaya district and is closely associated with Bodh Gaya, the site of the famous Buddhist pilgrimage. In local Hindu tradition, the Falgu River is linked to ritual practices such as bathing in its waters and performing pind daan, offerings made for ancestors, during religious observances including Pitru Paksha.

The river’s course and flow are seasonal, largely dependent on the monsoon. It can be shallow or even dry in the dry season, with variations in water availability affecting nearby communities and agriculture. In recent decades, concerns have been raised about pollution, encroachment, and the health of the river ecosystem, prompting calls for conservation and sustainable management of its banks.

Etymology and usage: the river is commonly referred to as Falgu in local language usage, with occasional alternate spellings such as Phalgu in literature and maps. The name appears in regional geography and religious contexts, reflecting the river’s integration into the cultural landscape of Bihar.

Overall the Falgu is significant for its cultural and religious associations centered on Bodh Gaya and the Gaya region, while also presenting environmental and water-resource considerations typical of seasonal river systems in northern India.