Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on Tuesday took a dip and performed other rituals at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati river, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the king performed rituals like offering ‘arghya’ to the Sun before taking the dip.
He appeared in a formal Gho (the national dress for men in Bhutan) along with Kera (a belt) when he landed at the airport and was greeted with an orange stole by the chief minister.
Later, when King Wangchuck took to the waters he was seen in a long saffron-colour kurta and pyjama.
Wangchuk and Adityanath were accompanied by Uttar Pradesh ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Nand Gopal Gupta during the dip along with Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das ji Maharaj, also known as Satua Baba.
The Bhutan King landed in Lucknow on Monday and was welcomed with cultural performances by artistes. Later, he reached the Raj Bhavan and was hosted by Governor Anandiben Patel. He paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Governor and the Chief Minister held detailed discussions on India-Bhutan relations with the King.
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The government said the King’s visit will prove to be an important step towards further strengthening India-Bhutan friendship and cultural relations, the statement said.
The King and Queen of Bhutan had visited Delhi in March and December 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured by Bhutan with its highest civilian honour, the ‘Order of Druk Gyalpo’.
More than 54 lakh devotees had taken a dip at Maha Kumbh on Tuesday by 12 noon.
Overall, more than 37.50 crore devotees have taken the holy bath since the mega fair’s commencement on January 13, according to the UP government. The Maha Kumbh culminates on February 26.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd