Delegation of foreign diplomats visits Maha Kumbh

    Mahakumbh Nagar (UP), Feb 1 (PTI) A delegation of 73 diplomats and foreign guests from different countries arrived at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Saturday.
    The diplomats expressed their happiness with the arrangements made for the trip, the UP government said in a statement.
    Recalling her long association with India, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to India, Diana Mickeviciene, said, "I always wanted to come here but never got the opportunity to visit any Kumbh. Today, during this special and auspicious Maha Kumbh, it is my good fortune to be in India."
    "This scene is a pleasure for my eyes and soul. I will take a holy bath here,” she said.
    Japanese Ambassador to India Keiichi Ono praised the arrangements made for their visit. "I am very happy that the state government and the Ministry of External Affairs have arranged this trip for diplomats. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a very special event, more so this year. I am looking forward to understanding the Hindu culture," Ono was quoted as saying in the statement.
    Mariano Caucino, the Ambassador of Argentina to India, said, "I am happy to participate in this important ceremony. I am also very pleased to be following the traditions here."
    The foreign dignitaries were also expected to hoist the national flags of their countries at Arail Ghat before taking a holy dip at the Sangam, according to the government statement.
    Diplomats from the United States, South Africa, France, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Germany, Nepal and Canada also visited the Kumbh Mela, it said.
    Earlier on Saturday, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was also present at the Maha Kumbh, said that so far 32 crore devotees from across the globe have visited the religious gathering.
    Police officers said security was beefed up for the visit of diplomats, but ease of access for common pilgrims was not compromised, the statement added.
    The UP government has faced criticism from opposition parties for allegedly prioritising VIP movement at the Maha Kumbh. They have claimed that the stampede on Mauni Amavasya occurred in part due to the government's focus on VIPs.
    At least 30 people were killed and 60 injured in the stampede, according to official figures.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)