Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj and take a holy dip at the Sangam as Delhi goes to the polls on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported.
As per the schedule, PM Modi will reportedly arrive in the city by 10:30 AM. Following his arrival, he will head to Arail Ghat, where he will be taking a boat ride to Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
During his visit, the PM is expected to engage with saints, take a holy dip at the Sangam, and assess arrangements made for the millions of pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh.
PM Modi's Maha Kumbh Itinerary
PM Modi will arrive in Prayagraj at 10:30 AM and proceed to the DPS helipad.
He will board the Nishadraj Cruise to VIP Jetty for the visit, which is expected to last around one hour.
PM Modi will then take a holy dip at Sangam.
He will complete his religious rituals and then return.
The original itinerary, which included PM's visits to the State Pavilion and Netra Kumbh, has been reportedly revised and no longer includes these locations.
Key Events On February 5
February 5 will hold great religious significance for Hindus, as the day will mark both Magh Ashtami and Bhishma Ashtami.
Magh Ashtami: This day is celebrated on the eighth day of the Magh month. Devotees perform holy dips at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, engage in almsgiving, and meditation. It also coincides with Gupt Navratri, which is a secretive form of Navratri, where devotees worship Goddess Durga.
Bhishma Ashtami: This day honours Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata. Legend says he chose the moment of his death, waiting for the Sun's transition into Uttarayan and Shukla Paksha, aligning with his boon to depart at will.
PM Modi's visit comes days after a deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh which reportedly killed at least 30 people and injured 60 on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya. Despite the tragedy, huge crowds have continued to attend the religious event, with millions arriving for the Vasant Panchami dip at the Triveni Sangam.
The Maha Kumbh Mela will conclude on February 26.