This book is more a personal diary of the author over the course of a few years. In parts it does explore cultural norms & practices through his travels down the Ganga. The challenging aspect with this style of writing is it appears scattered in many places. The writer does raise valid questions but the answers are not satisfactory.
The description of the various family members in the narrative does not necessarily add anything to the overall story. They seem to jump in & out over the years. Even the discussion between the Sadhus & friends seems to start well but often seems to end abruptly with no consensus in their opinions.
One does get a certain feel for the various places he describes along the Ganga and this could create an interest in travel to these parts.