Maha Kumbh: President Droupadi Murmu takes holy dip in Triveni Sangam
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.
After taking the holy dip, clad in a white saree, she also offered prayers while standing in the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Later, the president performed Ganga Aarti and ‘pooja’ as well.
The grand Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, attracting devotees from across the nation and the world. The festival will conclude on February 26 on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
Uttar Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel and chief minister Yogi Adityanath also accompanied president Murmu to the Sangam.
An earlier statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan had said that after the holy dip, president Murmu will also take a darshan at Akshayavat and Hanuman Mandir. “She will also visit the Digital Kumbh Anubhav Centre,” the statement added.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath will accompany the President to the Akshayavat and Bade Hanuman Temple, the Rashtrapati Bhavan had said.
Notably, the first president of the country, Dr Rajendra Prasad, had also taken a holy dip during the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Just last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the Maha Kumbh Mela and taken a holy dip in the Sangam. Holding ‘rudraksha’ beads, the PM chanted mantras and offered prayers while standing in the river.
“Today, I got the great fortune of performing Puja-Archana after bathing in the holy Sangam at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. I got immense peace and satisfaction from the blessings of Maa Ganga. I prayed to her for the happiness, prosperity, health and well-being of all the countrymen. Har-Har Gange!” PM Modi had posted on X.
According to the UP government, so far more than 40 crore devotees have taken a holy dip at the Sangam in the ongoing Maha Kumbh fair, which is held every 12 years.
The highest turnout for the Amrit Snan till now was on January 29 on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, wherein eight crore devotees took a dip, the government said.
Several other top political leaders and celebrities have also taken a dip in the Sangam. They include Home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murthy, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, choreographer and director Remo D’Souza, actors Hema Malini and Anupam Kher, and Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal.