Final answer:
The source of the Ganges River, according to Hindu tradition, is linked to the deity Shiva's hair, while geographically, it originates from the Himalayas.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Hindu tradition, the source of the Ganges River is the god Shiva's hair. The river is highly sacred in Hinduism, and its physical source is the Himalayas. The Ganges flows from the mountains, through northern India, and ultimately merges with the Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. This bay lies north of the Indian Ocean, on the eastern side of India, and is an integral part of the region's geography and spiritual landscape. The river is so revered that many Hindus engage in ritual bathing and cremation along its banks, particularly in the holy city of Varanasi which features numerous ghats for these purposes.