Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Tuesday and take a holy dip at Triveni Sangam, which is the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. His visit becomes a significant cultural and spiritual moment that further enhances the ties between India and Bhutan.
Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Bhutanese King performed religious rituals before entering the waters. He performed ‘arghya’ to the Sun, a sacred Hindu practice, before immersing himself in the confluence.
The Bhutan King reached the airport wearing traditional Bhutanese attire but later changed to a saffron-colored kurta and pajama for the holy water bath. He was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh cabinet ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Nand Gopal Gupta. Vishnuswami sect leader Jagadguru Santosh Das Maharaj, also known as Satua Baba, was there during the rituals.
An official statement highlighted that the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh personally led the King of Bhutan through the purificatory bath and other religious rituals at the Triveni Sangam.
षष्टितीर्थसहस्राणि षष्टितीर्थशतानि च।
माघमासे गमिष्यन्ति गङ्गायमुनसंगमम्॥
गवां शतसहस्रस्य सम्यग् दत्तस्य यत् फलम्।
प्रयागे माघमासे तु त्र्यहःस्नानात्तु तत् फलम्॥पूज्य साधु-संतों के पावन सान्निध्य में आज तीर्थराज प्रयाग में #UPCM @myogiadityanath और भूटान के महामहिम नरेश… pic.twitter.com/i6aXw3RGoH
— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) February 4, 2025
Akshayvat and Bade Hanuman Temple
After the sacred dip, the Bhutanese King conducted visits to Akshayvat, the eternal banyan tree of immense importance in Hindu traditions, and offered prayers at the Bade Hanuman Temple for its unique reclining idol of Lord Hanuman.
आदिवटः समाख्यातः कल्पान्तेऽपि च दृश्यते।
शेते विष्णुर्यस्य पत्रे अतोऽयमव्ययः स्मृतः॥संगमनगरी प्रयागराज में आज भूटान के महामहिम नरेश जिग्मे खेसर नामग्याल वांगचुक जी ने पावन ‘अक्षयवट’ के दर्शन-पूजन किए।#सनातन_गर्व_महाकुम्भ_पर्व I #MahaKumbh2025 I @MahaKumbh_2025 pic.twitter.com/jx7mvlhtUs
— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) February 4, 2025
The two leaders then visited the Digital Mahakumbh Experience Centre, which gives a glimpse of the grandeur and spiritual significance of the festival through immersive technology.
Warm Welcome of Bhutan King to UP
King Wangchuck arrived in Lucknow from Thimphu on Monday, where CM Yogi Adityanath received him with full state honors. Cultural performances by local artists welcomed the visiting dignitary.
#UPCM @myogiadityanath ने प्रयागराज एयरपोर्ट पर भूटान के महामहिम नरेश जिग्मे खेसर नामग्याल वांगचुक जी का स्वागत एवं अभिनंदन किया।#सनातन_गर्व_महाकुम्भ_पर्व I #MahaKumbh2025 I @MahaKumbh_2025 pic.twitter.com/vNsv4gD7A6
— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) February 4, 2025
Later, he went to Raj Bhavan, where Governor Anandiben Patel welcomed him. The King’s floral tributes laid the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. He had detailed discussions with the Governor and CM Adityanath over improving India-Bhutan relations.
The government said, “This is an important step in taking bilateral relationships to a deeper plane of friendship and cultural exchange between two countries.”
Bhutan-India Diplomatic Ties Get Stronger
King Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema had previously visited Delhi in December 2024. Earlier in March 2024, Bhutan conferred its highest civilian honor, the ‘Order of Druk Gyalpo,’ upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.
The Maha Kumbh 2025 has seen an overwhelming response from devotees. By noon on Tuesday, more than 54 lakh devotees had taken a dip in the sacred waters. Since the festival commenced on January 13, over 37.50 crore pilgrims have participated in the holy event, according to official data.
The Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering, will culminate on February 26.