Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji

Panaji, Feb 15: Goa governor P S Sreedharan Pillai, chief minister Pramod Sawant, and members of the state cabinet embarked on a visit to Prayagraj on Saturday to participate in the Maha Kumbh and take a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganga.

The delegation, including core members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), departed from Dabolim International Airport on a special flight in the morning. Speaking to reporters before departure, CM Sawant described the occasion as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to be part of such a spiritually significant event.

To facilitate pilgrims from Goa, the state government has arranged three special trains to Prayagraj, of which two have already departed. In response to the overwhelming demand, authorities are considering deploying additional trains for devotees.

BJP Goa president Damodar Naik lauded the initiative, stating, "The government has respected people's sentiments by ensuring special arrangements for their pilgrimage."

Sources revealed that the chief minister was accompanied by most of his cabinet colleagues, except for health minister Vishwajit Rane. The delegation is expected to take a holy dip later in the evening.