Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to the Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj and took a dip in the sacred Triveni Sangam.
PM Modi made a fashion statement on Wednesday during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. As he performed the ceremonial rites, he wore three different costumes, transitioning between traditional Indian clothing and practical athleisure with ease.
PM Modi said on X, “Blessed to be at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The Snan at the Sangam is a moment of divine connection, and like the crores of others who have taken part in it, I was also filled with a spirit of devotion. May Maa Ganga bless all with peace, wisdom, good health and harmony.”
Modi, wore a deep orange jersey with sleeves and blue pants, placed ‘rudraksh’ beads in his palms as he took a bath while mantras were chanted. With a ‘rudraksh’ necklace around his neck, the prime minister prayed to the Ganga and the Sun.
Modi took a boat ride from Arail Ghat to the Triveni Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
He greeted the sizable group of people who had gathered to see him on either side of the riverbanks.
Following the holy dip, the PM boarded a floater—a specially constructed improvised platform on the river—to perform rites, including “aarti” to the Ganga.
A priest led the prime minister through the rites while Chief Minister Adityanath stood close by.
Modi’s trip to the Maha Kumbh coincided with the start of the Uttar Pradesh by-election in Milkipur and the Delhi assembly elections.
The Prime Minister’s visit was met with increased security. According to officials, devotees continued to swim at other ghats during the VIP visit, with the exception of some areas that were required for security procedures.
The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will run until February 26 after a 12-year break. For Hindus, it is one of the holiest pilgrimages. Millions of pilgrims from all across India and the world have been drawn to the gigantic fair on the banks of the Sangam.
The Uttar Pradesh government claims that more than 38 crore pilgrims have visited the Maha Kumbh to date.
