Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe attended the spectacular sunset Ganga Aarti at the fabled Dashashwamedh Ghat here on Saturday, marking a new chapter in traditional cultural ties between the two countries.

Elaborate security arrangements were in place at this ancient temple town which was all decked up to welcome Modi and Abe shortly after their summit talks in Delhi.

The two leaders spent about 45 minutes at the Ghat in Modi’s parliamentary constituency where they watched the Ganga Aarti, an exquisitely choreographed ritual performed daily on the banks of the river.

Modi had earlier said culture and people breathe life into a relationship.

“Our remarkable relationship also has a wonderful human touch. The Kyoto-Varanasi partnership is one of its strong symbols,” he said at a joint media interaction with Modi.

Abe’s visit to the Ghat fully decorated with flowers assumed significance as it came against the backdrop of Partner City Agreement between Kyoto and Varanasi, signed by the two leaders during the Prime Ministers visit to Japan in August last year.

Amid chanting of slokas, Modi and Abe offered flowers and a rose garland on the banks of the river.

Related Topics