Haridwar Maha Kumbh: Nepal king to participate in Shahi Snan

Haridwar is all set for the second royal bath of Maha Kumbh, under the COVID-19 protocols amid the alarming situation of coronavirus cases in Uttarakhand.

Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the former King of Nepal, visited Uttarakhand's Haridwar to attend the Kumbh Mela. He met many saints and seers and they were seen exchanging garlands.

Niranjan Peethadhishwar told that the king will take a royal bath with him on 12 April.

Niranjan Peethadheeshwar Kailashanand Giri told that Gyanendra Veer received a grand welcome from the saints of Niranjani Akhara. He offered prayers at the Sri Dakshinakali Temple. After this he met the saints and the Mahamandaleshwaras.

Addressing akhada seers, Shah said, “Nepal and India share the same culture and traditions. Our culture and religion are under attack and we should work jointly to protect them. Similarly, we must also protect our environment, including forests and rivers.”

At the ceremony in Kali temple, Balkrishna said, Nepal had fallen on hard times after the abolition of monarchy in 2008. “I hope the monarchy is reinstated and Nepal becomes a Hindu rashtra again.”

Kailashanand Giri, along with other seers present at the temple, echoed the sentiment. “We bless Shah to be the king again. We will travel to Kathmandu to anoint him,” Giri said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat welcomed the arrival of Raja Gyanendra Veer Vikram Singh. In a message, the CM said, “Welcome to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand and Haridwar Kumbh. You are blessed with saints and the Ganges. Take a holy advantage of Kumbh by taking a bath.”

Tirath Singh Rawat also, welcomed all the visitors,

This 12 months, the Kumbh is being held from April 1 to 30 in Haridwar. In regular circumstances, Kumbh continues for almost 4 months however this 12 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the length of the congregation has been curtailed to one month.