PRAYAGRAJ, Jan 18: On Saturday, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Prayagraj to take part in the grand Sanatan cultural festival, Maha Kumbh, being celebrated at the banks of the Sangam.
Accompanied by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi, he was greeted by Uttar Pradesh Minister Nand Gopal Gupta upon landing at Bamrauli Airport.
After arriving in Prayagraj, the Defence Minister first bathed in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati converge, and joyfully exclaimed, Sanatan Ki Jai, Ganga Maiya Ki Jai.
He toured notable sites such as Akshayvat, Patalpuri, and Bade Hanuman Ji, assessing the arrangements for the Maha Kumbh.
In the evening, he will convene a meeting with army officials to discuss security protocols for the event.
During this auspicious occasion, Rajnath Singh and Sudhanshu Trivedi took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.
Accompanied by the chanting of mantras, he drank from the waters of the Ganga and paid homage to Lord Surya, praying for the nation’s well-being.
He expressed, “It is a great fortune to have bathed in Prayagraj, Sangam today. This festival is a spiritual and cultural celebration that reflects our Indianness, transcending any sect, community, or religion. Anyone looking to understand India and its essence should witness the Maha Kumbh.”
Following a predetermined schedule, the Defence Minister arrived at DPS Ground Naini via helicopter from Bamrauli Airport, reaching the Sangam by jetty from Arail Ghat and then taking a dip.
After disembarking at VIP Ghat from the Sangam, he visited Chhatra Akshayvat within the Akshayavat Corridor. Subsequently, he also explored Patalpuri Temple and Saraswati Koop. Upon exiting, he visited Bade Hanuman Ji and conducted special rituals in the temple.
Rajnath Singh took the time to check in on the temple priest’s wellbeing and enquired about the arrangements made for the Maha Kumbh. After touring the temple, he proceeded to the Circuit House while continuing his fair visit.
In addition to meeting with saints and sages, he will confer with army officers about security protocols concerning the Maha Kumbh, particularly regarding threats of terrorist activity and unwarranted bomb rumors in the area. (UNI)
