New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is on a special visit to India to attend the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, further strengthening the historical and close ties between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the King's visit reflects the tradition of frequent high-level exchanges between India and Bhutan.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The festival witnessed a major event on Monday with the third grand "Amrit Snan" coinciding with Basant Panchami.
"At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has arrived in India to partake in the Maha Kumbh Mela," said the MEA in a statement.
During his stay, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel hosted a dinner in honor of the Bhutanese King. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with the King and accompanied him to the sacred city of Prayagraj.
The King arrived in Lucknow on Monday and visited the Kumbh Mela on Tuesday, where he participated in a ceremonial dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati River.
The MEA highlighted the unique and long-standing relationship between India and Bhutan, which is founded on mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation. "The visit of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, is a testament to the strong ties between our two countries, which are reflected in our regular high-level exchanges," the statement said.
Earlier, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan had visited India in December 2024 and March 2024. Prime Minister Modi, during his visit to Bhutan, was awarded the prestigious 'Order of Druk Gyalpo', the highest civilian honor of Bhutan, marking a milestone in the bilateral relationship as Modi became the first foreign leader to receive the honor.
This visit underscores the continued warmth and cooperation between the two countries, with both leaders engaging in cultural and spiritual exchanges.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The festival witnessed a major event on Monday with the third grand "Amrit Snan" coinciding with Basant Panchami.
"At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has arrived in India to partake in the Maha Kumbh Mela," said the MEA in a statement.
During his stay, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel hosted a dinner in honor of the Bhutanese King. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with the King and accompanied him to the sacred city of Prayagraj.
The King arrived in Lucknow on Monday and visited the Kumbh Mela on Tuesday, where he participated in a ceremonial dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati River.
The MEA highlighted the unique and long-standing relationship between India and Bhutan, which is founded on mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation. "The visit of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, is a testament to the strong ties between our two countries, which are reflected in our regular high-level exchanges," the statement said.
Earlier, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan had visited India in December 2024 and March 2024. Prime Minister Modi, during his visit to Bhutan, was awarded the prestigious 'Order of Druk Gyalpo', the highest civilian honor of Bhutan, marking a milestone in the bilateral relationship as Modi became the first foreign leader to receive the honor.
This visit underscores the continued warmth and cooperation between the two countries, with both leaders engaging in cultural and spiritual exchanges.
