On Monday, President Droupadi Murmu took a sacred dip at
Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the Maha Kumbh Mela. Dressed
in a white saree, she also offered prayers at the confluence of the Ganga,
Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, known as the largest spiritual
gathering in the world, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26,
aligning with Mahashivratri. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief
Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied the President to the site.
As per an official statement, President Murmu was scheduled
to visit Akshayavat, Hanuman Mandir, and the Digital Kumbh Anubhav Centre after
the dip. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also expected to accompany her to
Akshayavat and Bade Hanuman Temple.
Historically, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President,
also took part in the holy dip at the Maha Kumbh Mela.
A week prior, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also visited
the Mela, performing rituals and offering prayers. He expressed his gratitude
for the spiritual experience on social media and prayed for the nation’s
well-being.
According to state government reports, more than 40 crore
devotees have participated in the ritualistic dip at the Sangam. The highest
recorded turnout was on January 29, during Mauni Amavasya, when around eight
crore devotees took part.
Several prominent figures, including Home Minister Amit
Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, MP Sudha Murthy, Samajwadi Party leader
Akhilesh Yadav, filmmaker Remo D'Souza, actors Hema Malini and Anupam Kher, and
Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal, have also visited the Sangam for the holy dip.