His Majesty Joins Devotees at Maha Kumbh Mela During Historic India Visit
On February 3, 2025, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, arrived in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on a special invitation from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
His Majesty was warmly received at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath. Upon arrival, the King, dressed in Bhutanese gho, was greeted with cultural performances by local artistes.
His Majesty arrived in Lucknow on a special Drukair flight
Cultural performance by local artistes
Later that evening, His Majesty was hosted at the Raj Bhavan by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel. The Governor and Chief Minister held detailed discussions with the King on India-Bhutan relations. His Majesty also paid floral tributes to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi before attending a dinner in his honour hosted by the Governor.
His Majesty The King with Uttar Pradesh Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel and UP Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the King proceeded to Prayagraj to participate in the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering held every 12 years. Over 400 million people expected to visit the 44-day event. This year’s Mela holds special significance due to a rare celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years. By 12 noon on Tuesday, more than 5.4 million devotees had taken a dip at the holy event, contributing to the over 375 million who have participated since the fair’s commencement on January 13.
His Majesty The King at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Accompanied by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the King performed traditional rituals, including offering 'arghya' to the Sun, before taking a dip at the sacred Triveni Sangam. His Majesty, who had changed into a long saffron-coloured kurta for the occasion, was joined by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Nand Gopal Gupta, as well as Vishnuswami sect leader Jagadguru Santosh Das Maharaj, also known as Satua Baba.
His Majesty offering ‘arghya’ prayers to the Sun
His Majesty was accompanied to the festival by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath.
His Majesty The King took a ceremonial dip at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet.
Following the ceremonial bath, the King visited the revered Akshayvat tree, a symbol of eternity in Hindu tradition, and offered prayers at the Bade Hanuman Temple. Both leaders also explored the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre, a new addition to the Maha Kumbh Mela, which offers visitors an immersive digital journey through the mythological stories behind the event.
His Majesty visited the revered Akshayvat, a sacred tree symbolising eternity in Hindu tradition, and offered prayers.
His Majesty also offered prayers at the Bade Hanuman Temple, a significant landmark at the Kumbh Mela.
The Maha Kumbh Mela will culminate on February 26, 2025. The government of India has expressed that the King's visit is a significant step towards further strengthening the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between India and Bhutan.
This visit follows the King and Queen of Bhutan’s trip to Delhi in December 2024. Earlier, in March 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first leader to be honoured by Bhutan with its highest civilian award, the 'Order of Druk Gyalpo', underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.
