On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Prayagraj to participate in the sacred rituals marking Magh Ashtami and Bhishma Ashtami. Dressed in a saffron tracksuit, the Prime Minister took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Holding rudraksha beads, he chanted Sanskrit mantras before performing aarti while clad in a navy blue kurta, black jacket, and a Himachali woolen cap.

Following the ritual bath, PM Modi is set to address a congregation of saints from various akharas, focusing on nation-building, as per sources. Before reaching Triveni Sangam, PM Modi enjoyed a boat ride along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from Areal Ghat to the Maha Kumbh area. He is scheduled to take another dip at Sangam Ghat around 11:30 am.

PM Modi's arrival at Prayagraj Airport took place at 10:05 am, and he headed to Areal Ghat shortly after. Meanwhile, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also partook in a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, expressing his reverence in a post on X. Rijiju emphasized the significance of the Maha Kumbh, highlighting that it occurs once every 144 years and urged people not to politicize such a profound religious moment. He also advised devotees to follow guidelines, given the unprecedented number of attendees.

February 5 holds extra significance in the Hindu calendar, with observances of Magh Ashtami and Bhishma Ashtami, along with Gupt Navratri. Devotees engage in fasting and meditation on this day, and by 10 am, over 10 lakh people had already taken part in the holy dip at Triveni Sangam.