President Droupadi Murmu visited the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Wednesday and took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. She became the second Indian President to take a dip at Sangam after India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Visuals from the site showed the President being escorted by security personnel on a floating jetty before she climbed down a ramp and immersed herself in the sacred waters. Her visit to Prayagraj comes over a week after a tragic stampede on ‘Mouni Amavasya’ claimed the lives of around 30 devotees as lakhs gathered to take a holy dip.
Accompanied by Top Leaders
President Murmu arrived in Prayagraj earlier in the day and was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during her visit to Sangam. She is also set to offer prayers at the Bade Hanuman Temple and the revered Akshayavat tree, believed to be a symbol of immortality in Hinduism.
Several prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, have already participated in the ongoing Maha Kumbh festivities and taken a dip at the holy site.
Security and Traffic Challenges
With the President’s visit, heavy security arrangements have been implemented across Prayagraj. However, severe traffic congestion has been reported on multiple routes leading to the city, especially from neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh, where police have stopped vehicle movement at various junctions to manage the rush.
Due to the overwhelming influx of pilgrims, authorities have shut down the Prayagraj Sangam railway station and implemented a single-direction traffic system at the Prayagraj Junction railway station to regulate the crowd.
Digital Maha Kumbh Experience
During her visit, President Murmu is also expected to explore the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre, which provides devotees with a virtual experience of the grand festival using advanced technology.
Unprecedented Pilgrim Turnout
Officials estimate that since the Maha Kumbh began last month, approximately 44 crore pilgrims have taken a holy dip at Sangam. The event, known as the world’s largest religious gathering, continues to attract millions of devotees seeking spiritual purification.
Sources By Agencies