Majestic Devotion: Bhutan King’s Sacred Dip and Rituals at Maha Kumbh’s Holy Prayagraj Sangam

Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck participated in ceremonial rituals at the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Tuesday. The Sangam marks the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Joining him was Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who facilitated the King’s visit. Wearing the traditional Bhutanese Gho and Kera, King Wangchuck was greeted with an orange stole upon his arrival at the airport. During the sacred dip, he donned a saffron kurta and pyjama.

The King was accompanied by state ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Nand Gopal Gupta, along with Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das Ji Maharaj, also known as Satua Baba. The King had landed in Lucknow on Monday, where he was welcomed with cultural performances at the airport. He was hosted by Governor Anandiben Patel at the Raj Bhavan, where he laid floral tributes to a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Discussions focused on strengthening India-Bhutan relations.

The King’s visit is expected to enhance the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between India and Bhutan. Previously, King Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema had visited India in March and December 2024, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Order of Druk Gyalpo’.

The Maha Kumbh Mela has witnessed the participation of over 54 lakh devotees taking a dip by noon on Tuesday, with the overall count reaching more than 37.50 crore since its start on January 13. This large-scale religious event is set to conclude on February 26. The UP government anticipates the King’s visit to contribute significantly to diplomatic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/maha-kumbh-bhutan-king-takes-dip-performs-other-rituals-at-prayagraj-sangam-9817914/
Category : Cities,Lucknow
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Publish Date: 2025-02-05 05:12:00