Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) [India], May 27 : Former President Ram Nath Kovind, accompanied by his family, took part in the Ganga Aarti at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh here on Tuesday evening.
The serene event was also attended by Swami Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj, the president of Parmarth Niketan.
Speaking to the media, Kovind said, "It feels very good, every Indian should come here. Whoever comes here feels a spiritual bliss... This river has been flowing for the welfare of people for centuries and gives everything to everyone. We also get to learn the same from Maa Ganga... Yesterday I performed Maa Ganga's Aarti at Har Ki Pauri and had darshan. I felt very good."

Swami Chidanand Saraswati also praised the spiritual and cultural significance of Uttarakhand, saying, "The land of Uttarakhand is a blessed and energised one. People from all over the world come here to witness this energy.
He also shared that Kovind has had a long-standing association with the ashram. "Former President Ramnath Kovind has been associated with the Parmarth Niketan Ashram for a long time, and he also loves coming here. He will stay here for three days and soak in spirituality," said Saraswati.
The visit comes at a time when the ashram is preparing to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28.
"Tomorrow is Menstrual Hygiene Day and we will raise awareness about menstrual hygiene with the help of people from all walks of life," Saraswati said.
Earlier in March, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami performed Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh and had prayed to Maa Ganga for happiness, peace and prosperity in the state.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the International Yoga Festival 2025 organised by Parmarth Niketan from March 9-15, 2025.