In the Heart of Kashi: Mauritius PM Ramgoolam Witnesses Ganga Aarti, Strengthens India-Mauritius Ties
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh , September 12, 2025 : In a powerful blend of diplomacy, culture, and spirituality, Mauritius Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam was welcomed in the sacred city of Varanasi. His visit marks a profound moment in the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between India and Mauritius—two nations connected not only by shared ancestry but also by a common spiritual heritage.
Dr. Ramgoolam, accompanied by his wife and a 70-member high-level delegation, participated in the world-famous Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat—one of the holiest rituals in Hinduism, performed daily on the banks of the River Ganga.
Earlier today, welcomed Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam to Varanasi. His coming to Kashi becomes even more special considering the cultural significance of this city and the strong cultural linkages between India and Mauritius. We reviewed all aspects of bilateral… pic.twitter.com/87wh9cG2BV
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2025
A Warm Welcome in the Spiritual Capital of India
The Mauritian Prime Minister arrived at Dashashwamedh Ghat via the Vivekananda Cruise, which set sail from Ravidas Ghat. The cruise, beautifully decorated with flags and flowers representing both countries, reflected the vibrant connection between the two nations.
Due to flooding along the riverbank, the Ganga Aarti was performed from a rooftop, offering an expansive and breathtaking view of the sacred river illuminated by flames, incense smoke, and the sound of conch shells. Five priests conducted the elaborate ceremony in a sequence of Dhoop Aarti, Jhaal Aarti, Nag Aarti, and the concluding Shanti Paath.
A Spiritual Moment Captured in Simplicity
As the chants filled the air, Dr. Ramgoolam offered flowers to the river and folded his hands in prayer. He captured the moving ceremony on his phone and shared a quiet smile with his wife, even taking a selfie—an unexpectedly human moment amidst the grandeur.
When invited to say a few words in Bhojpuri, the Prime Minister simply said, “Mahadev,” a word loaded with devotion, which was met with cheers from the local crowd. It was a small gesture that resonated deeply, highlighting the emotional connection many Mauritians feel to their ancestral land.
The dignitaries were gifted with Varanasi’s iconic silk shawls, and Dr. Ramgoolam was adorned with a Rudraksha mala. Traditional sweets (peda) were offered as prasad, continuing the legacy of Indian hospitality.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Shared Culture
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally welcomed Dr. Ramgoolam to Varanasi, expressing the special significance of the visit.
“Earlier today, welcomed Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam to Varanasi. His coming to Kashi becomes even more special considering the cultural significance of this city and the strong cultural linkages between India and Mauritius. We reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional as well as global issues. We agreed to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare, digital technology, energy, maritime security and more,” Prime Minister Modi stated.
The leaders’ discussion was a reaffirmation of the longstanding friendship between the two countries, built on people-to-people connections, historical ties, and mutual respect. Multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit, expanding cooperation across key areas such as healthcare, infrastructure, digital transformation, and maritime affairs.
A Cultural and Culinary Celebration
Following the Aarti, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and Minister-in-Charge Suresh Khanna, along with senior administrative officials including Divisional Commissioner S. Raj Lingam, welcomed the delegation.
Later in the evening, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to host a traditional dinner for the Mauritian guests, showcasing regional delicacies like chaat, lassi, chickpea tikki, and the famous Jaunpuri imarti—a dessert as rich as the city’s history.
From Kashi to Ayodhya: A Journey Through Civilisational Roots
Tomorrow morning, Dr. Ramgoolam will visit the revered Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple and offer prayers before departing for Ayodhya, another significant center of Indian culture and spirituality. His week-long visit, which began on September 9, also includes upcoming stops at Tirupati Balaji Temple and business engagements in Mumbai.
Dr. Ramgoolam last visited India in 2014, when he was the only non-SAARC leader invited to attend the swearing-in of Prime Minister Modi—a reflection of the special relationship the two nations share.
The Living Heritage of Varanasi
Varanasi, known as the City of Light (Kashi), is said to have been founded by Lord Shiva himself. It is considered the spiritual capital of India and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its famed ghats—especially Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the Ganga Aarti is performed every evening—hold centuries of history and devotion.
According to legend, Dashashwamedh Ghat was where Lord Brahma performed ten (dasha) horse (ashwamedha) sacrifices, giving it its name. Today, it remains the beating spiritual heart of Varanasi, where rituals are not just observed but lived, with fire, prayer, and music offered to the sacred Ganga.
Conclusion: More Than a Visit, A Homecoming
Dr. Ramgoolam’s time in Varanasi was more than a diplomatic engagement; it was a journey of spiritual and cultural reconnection. As flames rose into the twilight sky and ancient chants echoed off the riverbanks, the visit served as a reminder that diplomacy is not just about policies—it’s also about people, traditions, and shared histories that transcend geography.