New Delhi: Envoys and diplomats attended the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Varanasi's Dashashwamedh Ghat on Saturday as part of the grand event 'Prayas: Dharohar Kashi Ki,' organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event showcased Varanasi's cultural significance and timeless allure to a global audience.

Present among the dignitaries were Kanokporn Kunnawattana (Counsellor, Royal Thai Embassy), Said Hijri (Counsellor, Embassy of Kingdom, Morocco), Haymandoyal Dillum (High Commissioner of Mauritius), and Omar Lisandro Castaneda Solares (Ambassador of Guatemala). Their attendance lent an international dimension to the event, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy.

In her remarks, Kanokporn Kunnawattana (Marcie), Minister Counsellor of the Royal Thai Embassy, expressed the meaningfulness of her visit to Varanasi and lauded PM Modi's leadership, expressing confidence in India's progress under his stewardship. She remarked, "I could experience it like my first Aarti puja ceremony. I have never been to Varanasi before. This is my first time so it is very meaningful for me to be here and to be able to attend the Aarti ceremony. I think India is a very big country, and it's a country where we can preserve all kinds of cultures together. And, for example, in this ceremony in Thailand, we also worship the goddess of Ganga in November."

"PM Modi is a very good leader of India, and I am sure India will keep progressing in every aspect under his leadership," she added.

Said Hijri, Counsellor of the Morocco Embassy, expressed his admiration for Varanasi and pledged to visit India again. He remarked, "This is my first time in Varanasi. I always read and learn about the Ganga River, but today I was really impressed. This is a very impressive place. And this is a convulsion of cultural heritage in India. As you know, India is a land of diversity, peace, and tolerance, I was really impressed with the event. I will come again here."

"Varanasi has changed over the years in terms of economic and cultural development," added Hijri.

High Commissioner of Mauritius, Haymandoyal Dillum, shared his pleasure in visiting Varanasi, which he described as the spiritual capital of India. He said, "It's always a pleasure to come to Banaras. Banaras is considered to be the spiritual capital of India, and you come across around 2000 temples in Varanasi. So it's always a pleasure when you come here, which is like a sort of spiritual enlightenment for all of us. And when you go back from here, you get the spiritual inspiration from here."

Ambassador of Guatemala, Omar Castaneda, expressed his honor and delight in attending the Ganga Aarti, praising PM Modi's leadership in promoting India's cultural heritage. He remarked, "Today, I feel so honored and delighted to be here. The experience of Ganga Aarti is amazing and unforgettable."

"From my perspective, Prime Minister Modi is a great leader. We appreciate and admire him, and we believe that he's doing a great job. The country will continue promoting the beautiful and amazing culture of India worldwide under his leadership," he added.

Former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot Criticizes BJP's Manifesto, Calls Promises Mere Words

Kharge Criticizes BJP's Manifesto: Alleges Lack of Accomplishments

Sudden Weather Shift in New Delhi: Heavy Rainfall Hits Various Parts of the City