Bhutan King Takes Sacred Dip at Maha Kumbh, Strengthening India-Bhutan Ties
Prayagraj, Feb 3: Bhutan’s King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, marked his presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela on Tuesday, performing sacred rituals and taking a ceremonial dip at the revered Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. His visit underscores the strengthening of cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Bhutan.
#UPCM @myogiadityanath cordially welcomed His Majesty, the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan.@PMBhutan pic.twitter.com/CF8sLZnFOh
— CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) February 3, 2025
Accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Bhutanese monarch was guided through several religious rituals, including offering ‘arghya’ to the Sun at the sacred bathing site. King Wangchuck, dressed in traditional Bhutanese attire upon arrival, later changed into a saffron-colored kurta and pyjama before stepping into the holy waters.
Bhutan King Takes Sacred Dip at Maha Kumbh, Strengthening India-Bhutan Ties
Alongside Adityanath, the King was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh ministers Swatantra Dev Singh and Nand Gopal Gupta. Vishnuswami sect leader, Jagadguru Santosh Das Maharaj, also known as Satua Baba, joined them in this spiritual journey, marking the ceremonial bath as an important cultural event.
Strengthening India-Bhutan Relations Through Rituals and Pilgrimage
The visit not only showcased Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage but also reflected the strong, ever-growing relationship between India and Bhutan. The King’s spiritual engagement at the Maha Kumbh, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, was a symbolic gesture of friendship and mutual respect. After the dip, King Wangchuck continued his pilgrimage by visiting the revered Akshayvat, a symbol of eternity in Hindu tradition, and the iconic Bade Hanuman Temple. At both places, he offered prayers and immersed himself in India’s profound spiritual legacy.
Bhutan King Takes Sacred Dip at Maha Kumbh, Strengthening India-Bhutan Ties
The Bhutanese monarch’s journey through Prayagraj was a vital step in enhancing diplomatic ties with India. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath personally guided King Wangchuck through the ceremonial rites at Triveni Sangam, emphasizing the significance of this visit in fostering bilateral cultural exchanges.
The King’s Visit to Uttar Pradesh and Further Cultural Diplomacy
King Wangchuck arrived in India on Monday from Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. He was warmly welcomed at Lucknow Airport with vibrant cultural performances, reflecting the warmth of Indo-Bhutanese relations. Uttar Pradesh’s Governor, Anandiben Patel, hosted the King at the Raj Bhavan, where they paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue, symbolizing the shared values of peace and cooperation.
Bhutan King Takes Sacred Dip at Maha Kumbh, Strengthening India-Bhutan Ties
A key component of the visit was the in-depth discussions held between the Bhutanese monarch and the government officials regarding the deepening of India-Bhutan relations. These talks are expected to lead to further diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation. The visit came shortly after the Bhutanese King and Queen’s trip to Delhi in December 2024, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with Bhutan’s highest civilian award, the ‘Order of Druk Gyalpo’, in March 2024.
This visit is another milestone in the long-standing ties between India and Bhutan. Both countries share historical, cultural, and geographical connections, which the King’s participation in the Maha Kumbh reinforces.
Maha Kumbh 2025: A Record-Setting Pilgrimage
The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, continues to attract millions of devotees seeking spiritual solace and purification. By Tuesday noon, over 54 lakh devotees had participated in the sacred dip at the Triveni Sangam, and the state government has reported that more than 37.50 crore pilgrims have bathed in the holy rivers since the commencement of the festival. This year’s Maha Kumbh, expected to conclude on February 26, remains one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
King Wangchuck’s participation in such a significant event demonstrates his commitment to engaging in India’s religious practices and building deeper people-to-people connections between the two nations.
Bhutan’s Cultural Engagement with India
Bhutan, a close neighbor and ally, has always had strong cultural, religious, and political ties with India. The King’s visit to the Maha Kumbh not only highlights Bhutan’s respect for Hindu traditions but also serves as a gesture of solidarity between the two countries. His participation in this pilgrimage amplifies the shared cultural heritage that binds India and Bhutan.
As the Maha Kumbh Mela nears its culmination later this month, King Wangchuck’s visit is likely to be remembered as a moment of great significance in India-Bhutan relations. It marks a crucial chapter in the broader diplomatic and cultural exchanges that will continue to shape the future of the two nations.