The river 'Ganges' has countless tributaries that flow throughout the Indian sub-continent. They are known by different names in different regions. In Bengal, the Eastern India, We call it 'Hooghly'. It's wide and has a very strong current. Known for its 'silt deposit' that gives it its 'Yellow Colour', Hooghly flows between the two banks (Eastern side being Kolkata and Western bank the suburbs). The boatmen here take people across the other side by using the current of the river that tends to work in both directions at different times. It's a kamikaze boat ride if you ever took one. Any moment you think the 'Overloaded Boat' will capsize. You better be an excellent swimmer if you plan on taking this boat ride :). The boatmen are a skilled lot. Mostly poor Muslims. This is a fast vanishing mode of transport that's been an important part of Bengal's river culture. One day I am sure they will be replaced by big mechanized ferries.