Foreign devotees add to the divine charm of Maha Kumbh

Lucknow: The presence of a large number of foreigners, many of them dressed like Hindu seers and saints, has not only been an attraction at the Maha Kumbh but they have also added to the divine charm of the world's biggest gathering.

Men and women devotees from France, USA, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, Spain and other countries also took the holy dip in the sacred waters of the Sangam on the occasion of ‘Paush Purnima’ along with millions of devotees from different parts of the country on Tuesday.

While some of the foreigners were drawn to the Maha Kumbh to experience its vastness and also out of curiosity, many others were simply mesmerised by the presence of such a large gathering at one place and the religious fervour at the Fair.

‘’It’s a unique experience for me....I am here for the first time...it is difficult to believe that such a huge number of people have come here to take bath in the Sangam....one has to see it to believe it,’’ remarked a woman who had come from Russia. She also took the holy dip at Sangam.

‘’The water is freezing but our hearts are filled with warmth,’’ said Francisco, who had come from Brazil. Francisco is a Yoga practitioner and is here in quest of ‘Moksha’ (salvation).

Expressing similar sentiments, Claudia, a Polish national, said that she had never imagined that she would get such an experience. Claudia, who also took the holy dip at the Sangam, said that she would take bath on Wednesday also on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.