Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on Wednesday, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela coinciding with the auspicious occasions of Magh Ashtami and Bhishma Ashtami. Dressed in track pants and a saffron jacket, with a rudrakash mala in hand, he prayed to Goddess Ganga.
In light of the PM’s visit, the city has been placed on high alert, with devotees continuing to take holy dips at the Sangam around the clock. PM Modi will also visit the temple housing the lying Lord Hanuman and the sacred Akshayvat.
Prime Minister Modi is set to spend nearly two hours in Prayagraj today. A special security alert has been issued for the Arail area, and officials have been deployed across the five key areas of the Maha Kumbh Mela: Jhunsi, Parade, Sangam, Teliyarganj, and Arail.
This visit follows PM Modi's previous trip to Prayagraj on December 13, 2024, when he laid the foundation for 167 projects worth Rs 5,500 crore.
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Why February 5 was selected for PM Modi’s holy dip
Although dates like Basant Panchami and Mauni Amavasya are typically chosen for holy baths during the Kumbh, February 5 was selected for its unique spiritual significance. It coincides with Magh Ashtami, a day renowned in the Hindu calendar for penance, devotion, and charitable acts.
Security arrangements for PM Modi’s visit
Local reports state that the National Security Guard (NSG) has taken charge of securing areas PM Modi will visit. Along with magistrates, a heavy presence of police, PAC, and RAF personnel has been deployed. Security has been increased at the Ganga ghats, and people heading to Kumbh Nagari are being thoroughly checked.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will accompany PM Modi during his visit, following a similar arrangement when Home Minister Amit Shah, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar, and Bhutan's King visited the Mahakumbh recently.
Several state ministers will also join the Prime Minister. Mela officer Vijay Kiran Anand mentioned that all necessary preparations for PM Modi's visit have been completed. "Five magistrates and a large police presence have been deployed. After taking a holy dip in the Sangam, the Prime Minister will offer prayers to Maa Ganga," he said.
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