'We See The Real India': Foreign Devotees Take Shahi Snan At Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh Mela

A devotee from Spain, Natalia aka Yamuna Devi, spoke to reporters about taking a holy dip in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela and said, “As you know this is an auspicious occasion, today, a lot of saints will bathe here in Maha Kumbh and today is also Paush Purnima. So, we are fortunate to be able to take a holy dip in the Sangam of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers."

A devotee from Japan said this was his second visit to the Mela and termed this “the most important festival for the Hindu devotees."

A tourist from Poland, Claudia, said, “It’s very special, I have never experienced something like this before, I am gonna take a bath tomorrow…"

A Russian devotee, while talking to reporters, chanted, “Mera Bharat Mahaan“, and continued, “India is a great country. We are here at Kumbh Mela for the first time. Here we can see the real India – the true power lies in the people of India. I am shaking because of the vibe of the people of this holy place. I love India."

A devotee from South Africa’s Cape Town said, “It’s so beautiful. The streets are clean, the people are so friendly and happy. We practice Sanatan Dharma."

Another devotee from South Africa’s Cape Town identified herself as Nikki, and said, “The Maha Kumbh Mela is very powerful and we are very blessed to be here."

A Spanish devotee, Jose, at the Maha Kumbh Mela, said, “We are many friends here – from Spain, Brazil, Portugal. We are on a spiritual trip. I took a holy dip and I enjoyed it much, I am very lucky."

A Brazilian devotee, Francisco, who came to India for the first time in search of Moksha, said that he felt amazing to be present there. He mentioned that the water at the confluence was cold, but his heart was filled with warmth after he took a dip.

“I came to India for the first time… I practice Yoga and I am searching for Moksha. It’s amazing here. India is the spiritual heart of the world. The water is cold, but the heart is filled with warmth," he said.

Another devotee from Spain expressed that he felt very lucky to have taken a dip there.

“We are many friends here–from Spain, Brazil, Portugal. We are on a spiritual trip. I took a holy dip and enjoyed it much; I am very lucky," he said.

Julie, a devotee from Spain spoke about coming to India for the Maha Kumbh Mela, and said, “It is very special for me to be with you all Indians here. I am feeling grateful for this opportunity to dive into the sacred river here at the sacred point. I am fulfilled with bliss at this moment. "

Another foreign devotee said, “This is the fourth time we’ve visited India because we love the country so much. Last time, we heard about Kumbh Mela and decided to come here."

A devotee, who came from Barcelona, Spain said, “I had heard for a long time about this festival, and I always wanted to come at least once in my life… to be here is wonderful. I arrived here yesterday, and the experience is wonderful."

Another foreigner devotee said, “We arrived yesterday and today the bath will begin. We have been planning this trip for the last one year. Everyone knows about the Kumbh Mela. Especially, this one because it came after 144 years. It is very beautiful here. We are seeing people eating for free, and sleeping for free. It is amazing."

Nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Mahakumbh Nagar on Sunday, a day ahead of the ‘Paush Purnima’, the authorities said.

Earlier on Saturday, 33 lakh devotees visited the Mela to bathe in the Sangam, Director Information Shishir said, adding over 85 lakh people had bathed in the river in the past two days.

This year, the Maha Kumbh has an added significance to it as it falls during a rare celestial alignment that occurs only once in 144 years.

Traffic Police authorities have made elaborate arrangements and implemented a detailed plan to ensure smooth vehicular movement and safety for devotees visiting the Maha Kumbh Mela.

The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. The event will conclude on February 26.