Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Prayagraj to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world's largest religious gathering. Millions of Hindus believe that bathing in the confluence of sacred rivers Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati purifies sins and aids salvation. With an estimated 400 million attendees over 45 days, the event is significant for spiritual cleansing. However, Modi's visit follows a tragic stampede resulting in numerous fatalities, prompting criticism toward his government for allegedly underreporting the incident's death toll.
Hindus believe that taking a dip in the waters would cleanse their past sins and liberate them from the cycle of rebirth, helping them attain salvation.
According to authorities, some 400 million people are expected to attend the event this year which concludes on February 26.
Modi's visit comes a week after a stampede at the gathering left dozens of people dead, with opposition leaders claiming the death toll is much higher.
Visuals showed Modi stepping into river waters and offering prayers as priests delivered vedic chants over loudspeakers.
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