A devout Hindu, Prime Minster Narendra Modi visited the Maha Kumbh Mela today (February 5) where he offered prayers and took a holy dip in the sangam — the confluence of three rivers, the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati.

After landing in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj where the Maha Kumbh Mela is being held, PM Modi took a boat tour of the sangam with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He then performed the puja at the Triveni
Sangam before taking a holy dip in the waters.

Wearing a saffron sweatshirt and black sweat pants with saffron stripes on the side and holding rudraksh beads in his hands, PM Modi entered the holy waters and took a dip, in the presence of lakhs and lakhs of devotees, as well as the media, who had arrived ahead of the PM’s visit.

In fact, PM Modi is among the 55 lakh people who have already ventured into the waters today, until afternoon, at the Maha Kumbh — today (February 5) marks the auspicious occasion of Ashtami Tithi during the ‘Magh’ month.

Following his dip in the waters, PM Modi said, “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,” he added.

Sources said that PM Modi’s visit lasted for about two hours. Officials claimed that devotees were allowed to take a dip at different temporary ghats as usual even when PM Modi was taking a holy dip at the Sangam.

PM Modi had also attended the 2019 Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. His visit today, interestingly, coincides with the Delhi Assembly elections. PM Modi-led BJP is hoping to put an end to the Aam Aadmi Party’s rule in the national capital.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 144 years, will continue until February 26. According to the UP government, the religious gathering has already seen 38 crore pilgrims.

The UP government has also said that it is taking steps to facilitate a Sangam Snan for 2,000 senior citizens by the end of the Maha Kumbh.

With inputs from agencies

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In Photos: A boat ride, holy dip… PM Modi’s day at Maha Kumbh Mela