On Tuesday, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited the Maha Kumbh and then took a sacred dip at Triveni Sangam, together with other prominent personalities, including the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath. Before entering the holy waters, the King performed rituals, including offering ‘arghya’ to the Sun.
Upon arrival at the airport, King Wangchuck was dressed in a formal Gho, Bhutan’s traditional attire for men, secured with a Kera (belt). Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed him with an orange stole. Later, when he did his bathing in Sangam, he was seen clad in a long saffron kurta and pyjama.
The Bhutan King was joined by Uttar Pradesh ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Nand Gopal Gupta, along with newly anointed Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das Ji Maharaj, also known as Satua Baba. Photos shared by the state government showed the ceremonial moment.
The Bhutan King arrived in Lucknow on the 16th and was welcomed here by the fantastic cultural performances of artists. After that, he proceeded to Raj Bhavan, hosted by Governor Anandiben Patel. He also offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Raj Bhavan discussions saw the Governor and Chief Minister discuss at great length with the King ways to build a stronger India-Bhutan relationship. The government was confident that the visit of the king would strengthen the cherished friendship and cultural ties that exist between the two countries, which have been maintained for centuries.
In March and December of 2024, King Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema paid a visit to New Delhi. Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has continued the tradition of bonding friendship between Bhutan and India. By noon on Tuesday, more than 5.4 million pilgrims had reported a fairly congested Sangam pilgrimage. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, 3.7 million pilgrims have entered the Sangam area for bathing since the start of Kumbh on January 13, 2024. Maha Kumbh is to close on February 26, with devotees from decks all over the world marking this grand occasion as one of the largest religious congregations on Earth to take place every 12 years.
