PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Haridwar
The Hari Ki Paidi Ghat of the Ganga in Haridwar saw heightened activity on Sunday with Reliance Industries director Anant Ambani and his wife Radhika Merchant, and International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah, the son of Home minister Amit Shah, arriving at different times to offer prayers to the Ganga.
Anant Ambani and his wife The duo arrived here amidst tight security and were welcomed by office bearers of the Ganga Mahasabha. After offering prayers at the sacred Ghat, they also took a holy dip in the Ganga. According to sources, their visit to Uttarakhand is for religious purposes and also to express their faith and devotion to Goddess Ganga. Even as the local police and other personnel manned security at Har Ki Paidi, the visit of the Ambani couple also elicited the curiosity of the locals and other visiting pilgrims. Unconfirmed reports stated that they had left for Narendranagar after their visit to Haridwar and may offer prayers at Badrinath on Monday.
Shah and his wife arrived at Har Ki Paidi later in the evening. He conducted Dugdhabhiskek of the Ganga and offered prayers to the Goddess Ganga on the occasion. Office bearers of the Ganga Mahasabha received Shah and his wife. The visits of the two noted personalities saw heavy security presence in the area on Sunday which was also marked by the reopening of Badrinath Dham in Chamoli district.
