Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maha Kumbh Mela on Wednesday, taking a holy dip at the sacred confluence known as Triveni Sangam.
Clad in a full-sleeve deep orange jersey paired with blue pants, Modi participated in the bathing ritual while holding ‘rudraksh’ beads in his hands, surrounded by the chanting of mantras. He also wore a ‘rudraksh’ necklace and offered prayers to both the Sun and the River Ganga.
Accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Modi took a boat ride from Arail Ghat to the Triveni Sangam, which is the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. On his journey, he acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd that lined the riverbanks to see him.
After his holy bath, the Prime Minister performed various rituals, including ‘aarti’ for the Ganga, while aboard a specially designed floating platform on the river. For this ceremony, he donned a black jacket and a Himachali cap, offering milk and flowers to the sacred waters.
During the rituals, Chief Minister Adityanath was present beside him, as a priest guided the Prime Minister in the various ceremonies. Notably, Modi’s visit to the Maha Kumbh took place on the same day as assembly elections in Delhi and a by-election in Milkipur, Uttar Pradesh.
Security measures were heightened for the Prime Minister’s visit. However, apart from areas subject to mandatory security protocols, devotees continued to bathe at other ghats during the VIP visit, according to officials.
The Maha Kumbh, occurring every 12 years, began on January 13 and is set to run until February 26. It is regarded as one of the holiest religious gatherings for Hindus. This year’s event, taking place along the banks of the Sangam, has attracted millions of pilgrims from India and around the globe. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, over 38 crore pilgrims had visited the Maha Kumbh to date.
