Narendra Modi thanks 'Maa Ganga' at Varanasi (Photo AP)
Amidst the soothing smell of incense and the fragrance of roses, the blowing of conch shells and pealing of bells at sunset, Narendra Modi, India’s next Prime Minister, attended the famous “Ganga aarti” on the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi on Saturday, a day after he was elected with a huge margin from here to the Lok Sabha.
Mr Modi, who was accompanied by his trusted aide Amit Shah, BJP president Rajnath Singh, state president Laxmikant Bajpai and Anupriya Patel, the newly-elected MP from Mirzapur, sat through the elaborate “Ganga aarti” and then the “Shiv aarti”, looking completely at peace and somewhat emotionally overwhelmed.
Mr Modi, later addressed the people of Varanasi from the Dashashwamedh Ghat and thanked them for ensuring his victory.
“I came here as a candidate but Ma Ganga’s blessings turned me into a son. A mother is one who gives without asking and I am confident that Ma Ganga will give me directions to implement my agenda and cleaning the river is now my mission,” he said.
Recalling his clash with the Election Commission that had denied him permission for a rally, Mr Modi said, “As a candidate, I was not allowed to establish a dialogue with you but you accepted my silence and gave me victory.”
Mr Modi lauded the role of Mr Singh, Mr Shah and Mr Bajpai in taking the BJP to its biggest-ever victory. “We have seen parties forming a coalition to form the government but this time, we will see parties forming a coalition to emerge as an Opposition,” he said amidst a thunderous applause.
The Ganga apparently holds considerable significance for Mr Modi, who has spoken about the holy river in many of his election speeches.
About his contesting from Varanasi, he had said, “No one has sent me here and neither have I come here on my own. It is Ma Ganga who has beckoned me.”
Mr Modi was seated with other leaders on a specially constructed dais that was decorated with strings of marigolds and roses. He performed Ganga puja before the aarti began.
The entire Dashashwamedh Ghat had been decorated and illuminated for Mr Modi’s arrival and entry to the ghat was strictly regulated. Party leaders and eminent citizens who had been issued passes were allowed to witness the event on Saturday.
The ghat had turned saffron with huge banners welcoming Mr Modi to the holy city since this was his first visit to the constituency after his election on Friday.
Though the Ganga was dotted with decorated boats, most of them were asked to stay away from the ghat by the river police that kept a close watch on all boats.
A heavy police deployment was made in Varanasi for Mr Modi’s visit and all areas along his route were inspected and sanitised before his visit. A special team of the Gujarat police had arrived earlier to inspect the security arrangements.
Earlier, Mr Modi landed at Babatpur airport and then took a copter to the Police Lines from where he drove to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. At the temple, he performed Rudra-Abhishek along with Mr Shah and Mr Singh and the elaborate ritual was overseen by five pandits inside the temple.
Mr Modi had wanted to take part in the Ganga aarti during his campaign but permission for the same was initially denied and then delayed by the Election Commission.
Mr Modi had promised to return for the Ganga puja to offer prayers to the holy river.