Ambassadors from 70 nations to visit Sangam today

PRAYAGRAJ: Ambassadors and diplomats of 70 nations will visit the Sangam here on Saturday morning, their visit coming a month before the Kumbh Mela begins on January 15 next year.

They will also participate in the flag hoisting ceremony of all the 72 nations at Arail where a waterproof and centrally airconditioned tent, measuring 260 feet by 80 feet, has been erected for the ceremony.

Uttar Pradesh medical and health minister Sidharth Nath Singh will welcome the delegation followed by remarks by the dean of the diplomatic corps.

Minister of state for external affairs General (retd) VK Singh will also brief the delegation about the Kumbh.

“All preparations have been completed for the first-of-its kind event in the Sangam city. We are taking all precautions for ensuring smooth visit of the delegation. Adequate security arrangements have been made for the event,” said Kumbh Mela adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand.

As many as 8,000 school students dressed in traditional attire of different states will welcome the delegation members with a bhajan (religious song) when they land at Bamrauli airport. The students will hold the flags of 70 nations.

The delegation will reach the Sangam area after covering the 10-kilometre stretch from the airport in special air conditioned buses.

The high-profile delegation will visit the Hanuman temple, Integrated Command and Control Centre and Police Lines camp in the Kumbh Mela area.