President Ram Nath Kovind became the first President since Dr Rajendra Prasad in 1953 to visit the Kumbh Mela when he offered prayers with his wife on Thursday. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and Governor Ram Naik were also present at the occasion.
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The President inaugurated the Gandhian Resurgence Summit at Prayagraj and congratulated the Government of Uttar Pradesh and its people for organising the Kumbh. He also said that it is an important part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
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The President’s visit was organised on a day when the authorities expected less of a rush. He performed Ganga Pujan at the banks of the Triveni Sangam. Over 2500 security officers were deployed to ensure the President’s safety. Since it was two days after the Shahi Snan, the banks were expected to be less crowded.
The president arrived at the Bamrauli airport at 9.30 am and was taken in a chopper to Arail. From there, his convoy covered the 9 km distance to the Triveni Sangam by road.
The Kumbh Mela, designated as the world’s largest peaceful congregation, is being organised in the holy city of Prayagraj. The Mela, a spiritual event where devotees gather to wash away their sins in the waters at the confluence of three holy rivers, is expected to attract several crores of pilgrims from all over the world. On the day of the Shahi Snan itself, 1.4 crore devotees had taken the holy dip.