The river, introduced in the novel's first sentence, establishes the setting for the opening chapter. Family and friends gather at this sacred waterway for purification rituals. On a fundamental level, the river represents tradition and constancy. However, as rivers flow, they also represent movement and change. This dual symbolism is compelling, as Siddhartha's quest for self-discovery involves profound transformation while maintaining traditional values of constancy. Siddhartha does not always understand the river's significance, such as when the ferryman Vasudeva transports him and alludes to the river's teachings. Later, as a ferryman himself, Siddhartha understands the river as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things.