Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Friday took a dip in the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, and stressed that "our culture says any human being should be seen in a divine way".
Speaking to reporters after taking the dip, Khan said, "We should always keep in mind that the 'Sanatan Aadarsh' (eternal ideal) of Indian culture is 'Ekaatmata', or oneness of being, where all differences disappear."
"Our culture says any human being should be seen in a divine way. 'Maanav' (human) is the form of 'Maadhav' (Lord Krishna), which can be seen here in a big way," Khan said.
Everyone is coming here to "celebrate the festival of our heritage, values and ideals", he added.
Khan also said that a visit to the Maha Kumbh makes it clear that the culture and tradition of India work to connect humanity.
"People present here may not know each other, yet everyone is participating in this event unitedly," he said, adding that it is necessary to keep the heritage, ideals and values of India alive, as they "bind our society and strengthen the feeling of harmony".
On Thursday, Khan had said the mega Hindu pilgrimage serves as a "beacon of peace, unity and service for the entire world".
Recalling his journey from the Circuit House to the Maha Kumbh Mela area, Khan said at a gathering, "It took me more than three hours to reach (here) from the Circuit House.
If you get stuck in a traffic jam, you feel disturbed. But I enjoyed the three hours.
"I saw a thinly-built elderly couple, aged around 75-76 years, with both holding each other's hands. I saw the 'Sangam' (confluence) of 'Pyaar' (love) and 'Bhakti' (devotion) in the elderly couple."
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday took a dip in the Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh
After performing the rituals, Patel lauded the arrangements made by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government.
He called the Kumbh experience "a privilege", according to an official statement.
"Taking a dip in the Triveni Sangam is a matter of great fortune for me," Patel said.
"We got the opportunity to take the sacred dip, which is a blessing.
Triveni Sangam is the heart of India's faith and every devotee feels fortunate to bath here," he added. Before heading to the Sangam area, the chief minister visited the Bade Hanuman Temple to offer his prayers.
He then visited the Gujarat Pavilion in Sector 7, where he inspected replicas of the Statue of Unity, Sabarmati Ashram and Sun Temple.
He also toured medical camps, literature stalls and exhibition galleries showcasing Gujarat's heritage and products.
Amid tight security, Patel earlier reached the Sangam area by motorboat, where he took a ritualistic dip while vedic hymns were chanted.
He also offered 'arghya' to the sun god.
Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi also took a dip along with him. Patel later participated in Ganga Puja and aarti, according to the statement.
Patel arrived here at 9 am via a state aircraft and was received by Gupta.
His first stop was the Bade Hanuman Temple, where he performed rituals with vedic chants and received a replica of the temple from Mahant Balbir Giri of the Baghambari Gaddi, it added. To accommodate the large number of devotees from Gujarat, Patel inaugurated a 400-bed dormitory at the pavilion, ensuring better facilities for pilgrims attending the Maha Kumbh.
Earlier on Thursday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini also visited the Maha Kumbh and took a dip in the Triveni Sangam.