President Droupadi Murmu takes holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Maha Kumbh Mela

She took a bath in the holy Sangam which is the conglomeration point of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

"During her day-long visit to Prayagraj, the President will take holy dip and perform Pooja at Sangam, perform Pooja and Darshan at Akshayvat and Hanuman Mandir, and also visit the Digital Kumbh Anubhav Centre," the official statement issued by the President's Office had read.

Before her ritual bath, she offered flowers and a coconut at the Sangam and paid obeisance to Lord Surya by performing ‘Arghya.’ President Murmu took multiple dips while praying to the sacred rivers. Subsequently, she performed Puja at Sangam, accompanied by Aarti and Vedic recitations. 

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandi Ben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present alongside her on the occasion. 

Before immersing herself in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam, President Draupadi Murmu, accompanied by her family, performed traditional Puja Archana. With deep faith, she first touched the holy water, sought blessings, and then offered a flower garland and coconut, praying for the nation's peace and prosperity.

She then worshipped Lord Surya, offering 'Arghya' in reverence, before taking multiple dips in the confluence with devotion. 

Following the ritual bath, she performed 'Puja' with full traditional rites. The President also conducted a ‘Dughdhabhishek’ of the Sangam Triveni amid chanting of Vedic hymns and shlokas were. She then offered Akshat, Naivedya, flowers, fruits, and a red chunri as part of her prayers. Concluding the ceremony, she performed Aarti of the three sacred rivers at the confluence site. The Tirtha Purohit present there welcomed her by tying a Kalawa on her wrist.

On Monday morning, Governor Anandi Ben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warmly welcomed President Draupadi Murmu upon her arrival in Prayagraj. From there, the President proceeded to Arail Ghat, where she boarded a cruise to reach the Triveni Sangam.

During her tour, she also enjoyed boating while standing on the deck and fed the birds. Governor Patel and Chief Minister Adityanath took the opportunity to brief the President about the organization of the Mahakumbh and the various arrangements in place for the event.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several prominent world personalities took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

Attended by sadhus, ascetics, pilgrims, the  Kumbh Mela is the Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years.

The Maha Kumbh or Grand Kumbh is held every 144 years.

This year's Maha Kumbh is significant as it coincides with the 12th Kumbh Mela.

Considered as the largest religious pilgrimage in the world, Maha Kumbh Mela started on January 13 and is scheduled to end on February 26.

(Photo courtesy: UP govt)