Bhutan King visits Maha Kumbh, accompanied by Yogi Adityanath to take holy dip

Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited the Maha Kumbh on Tuesday and took a dip at the Triveni Sangam.

Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the king performed rituals like offering 'arghya' to the Sun before taking the dip. Wangchuk, who was wearing the traditional dress of Bhutan when he landed at the airport, changed into a long saffron-coloured kurta and pyjama when he entered the waters.

Wangchuk and Adityanath were accompanied by Uttar Pradesh cabinet ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Nand Gopal Gupta during the dip along with Vishnuswami sect leader Jagadguru Santosh Das Maharaj, also known as Satua Baba.

Adityanath also guided him through the ceremonial bath and religious rituals at Triveni Sangam, according to an official statement.

Following the dip,



the Bhutan King visited the revered Akshayvat, a symbol of eternity in Hindu tradition, and Bade Hanuman Temple to offer prayers. Both leaders also explored the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre. The King, who arrived from Thimphu to Lucknow on Monday, was warmly received by CM Adityanath before proceeding to Prayagraj for the pilgrimage.

The Bhutanese King arrived 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. 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.