President Droupadi Murmu took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam this morning as she visited the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Visuals showed the President was escorted by the guards on the floating jetty after which she climbed down a ramp and took a dip.
She is only the second Indian President to take a dip in Sangam after Rajendra Prasad. Her visit comes over a week after a stampede killed about 30 devotees during the auspicious occasion of 'Mouni Amavasya' as a huge crowd turned up in the early hours to take the dip in Sangam.
The President landed in Prayagraj earlier in the day and reached the Sangam accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. She will also offer prayers at the Bade Hanuman Temple and Akshayavat tree, considered a symbol of immortality in Hinduism.
Read: 300-km Traffic Jam To Maha Kumbh? Vehicles Reportedly Stuck For 48 Hours
Sangam is the confluence of the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, and holds great significance in Hinduism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several top leaders have already taken a dip here during the ongoing Maha Kumbh festivities.
India's first president Rajendra Prasad had taken a dip in Sangam during a previous Kumbh. During his visit, he stayed on the Sangam banks and watched the Mela from there. It is now known as the 'President's View'.
President Murmu, who will spend over eight hours in the city known for its spiritual significance, will also visit the Digital Maha Kumbh Experience Centre which offers devotees a virtual experience of the Mela using advanced technology.
Read: "Maha Kumbh Not For 5-Star Culture, True Devotees Don't Want Glamour": Priest
Heavy security arrangements are in place in Prayagraj in view of the President's visit while severe traffic jams have been reported on the different routes leading to the city through neighbouring states. In Madhya Pradesh, which shares the state border with Uttar Pradesh, cops have stopped vehicle movement at various junctions.
City traffic cops said the jam was due to a very high number of vehicles trying to reach the Mela site. Railway authorities have shut down the Prayagraj Sangam railway station and implemented a single-direction traffic system at the Prayagraj Junction station.
At least 44 crore pilgrims have taken a dip in the Sangam since the Maha Kumbh began last month.
