Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk’s special visit to India to attend the Maha Kumbh, the largest human gathering on earth, will be valued eternally by all Indians and Hindus.
A Holy Dip And Prayers
The King who is on a two day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took a dip at Maha Kumbh’s Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
On Tuesday, over 54 lakh devotees had taken a dip at Maha Kumbh by noon.
Overall, more than 37.50 crore devotees have taken the holy bath since the mega fair began on January 13, according to the Uttar Pradesh government.
Dressed in a traditional Gho, a knee-length, robe-like piece of clothing that is secured with a belt at the waist, the King sat cross-legged through the prayers with folded hands.
His participation in the prayers were reminiscent of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe joining Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi, known as the Venice of the East.
He also offered prayers and fed the birds during a boat ride at the Sangam.
The King was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath who had received him at the Lucknow airport on Monday.
Bhutan’s Deep Understanding Of Hindu Culture
But beyond the optics, the King’s visit signifies Bhutan’s deep understanding of Hindu culture and the spiritual significance of the Maha Kumbh.
The Maha Kumbh, which takes place once in 144 years, is ordained by a rare alignment of planets.
Seasoned diplomats say that the Bhutan King’s gesture of coming all the way from Bhutan to attend the Maha Kumbh is something that all Indians and Hindus will deeply value forever.
About 40-45 crore people are expected to bathe in the Triveni Sangam in Maha Kumbh Mela, seeking salvation and spiritual rejuvenation.
High-Level Exchanges Between India And Bhutan
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday that the visit of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan is in keeping with the regular high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan.
The King and Queen of Bhutan had earlier visited Delhi in December 2024 and in March 2024.
A 110-Member Delegation Also Visited Maha Kumbh
The Ambassador of Bhutan to India, Vetsop Namgyel recently joined a 110-member delegation, including Heads of Mission (HoM), spouses of HoMs, and diplomats from 71 countries at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
They were led by Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita.
Prayers For Eternal Friendship Between India And Bhutan
Apart from enjoying what he described as a spiritual experience, Ambassador Namgyel, one of the longest serving Ambassadors to India, said that he prayed for the everlasting friendship between India, a very close neighbour, and Bhutan.
Major General Vetsop Namgyel presented his credentials as Ambassador of Bhutan to India on January 16, 2009.
Namgyel who is also the Deputy Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, said, ” I know the spiritual significance of the Maha kumbh -which is very special this year as it comes once in 144 years- the configuration of the celestial constellation.”
The Maha Kumbh culminates on February 26.
India Uses Soft Power In Diplomacy Effectively
India’s former Ambassador to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj says that India has used its soft power in diplomacy very effectively.
“His Majesty came down to India especially for the Maha Kumbh all the way. This is perhaps one of the most important gathering for all Indians and Hindus. Where else would you find such numbers? I will be going to Maha Kumbh soon.”
Ambassador Kamboj who was also India’s Chief of Protocol for three years, says that the Ministry of External Affairs and the Uttar Pradesh government deserve appreciation for making arrangements to help foreign dignitaries and their spouses have a memorable experience at the Maha kumbh.
Arrangements For Maha Kumbh
On the arrangements for Maha Kumbh, she said, “It is a tremendous logistics operation that requires huge effort, coordination, thinking and working with various stakeholders. It is a great learning experience for those who are watching India. Hats off to India for pulling this off so well.’’
She said, “Anybody in charge of protocol has to ensure that everything from start to finish has to be choreographed meticulously. One needs to follow a multi stakeholder approach that everything right from airport arrivals to security, hospitality and gastronomics, is taken care of. ”
Frequent High Level Visits
Ambassador Kamboj who was also India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said, “Frequent high level visits by leaders always strengthens ties.”
Notably, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi was the first leader to be honoured by Bhutan with its highest civilian honour, the ‘Order of Druk Gyalpo’, during a State visit in March 2024.
India- Bhutan Ties
Prime Minister Modi chose Bhutan for his first overseas visit after taking charge as Prime Minister in 2014.
He undertook a State visit to Bhutan in August 2019, after assuming office for the second term.
To a question that the King of Bhutan and the Uttar Pradesh Governor discussed India Bhutan ties, Ambassador Kamboj said, “There is substance to the visit. It is also an opportunity to take stock of the relations.’’
Yoga: India’s Soft Power
She recalled how the International Yoga Day (June 21) celebration last year at the United Nations Headquarters, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, created a Guinness World Record for the participation of yoga enthusiasts of most nationalities.
In a unique event in 2017, the first of its kind, the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, organised a special yoga session for the third International Day of Yoga (IDY) for nearly 100 diplomats from scores of Diplomatic Missions, in New Delhi.
The gathering at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra was led by the then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and attended by many officers from India’s Foreign Service.
