- Thursday, February 27, 2025
The delegation was given a traditional welcome and the leaders performed Hindu ritual ‘abhishek’ at the temple and admired its architecture.
By: Shubham Ghosh
AN American Congressional delegation led by Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Michael Waltz — co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans — which visited India this week, went to the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Delhi on Tuesday (15), the day the south Asian nation celebrated its 77th Independence Day.
The delegation, which included Democratic Congresswoman Deborah Ross and her Republican counterpart Kat Cammack, was given a traditional welcome. They performed the Hindu ritual ‘abhishek’ at the temple and admired its architecture and eagerly learned about the temple’s design and spiritual philosophy.
During ‘abhishek’, the delegates poured sanctified water on a statue of Lord Swaminarayan at the temple as a call for peace and best wishes.
Khanna, a politician of Indian origin, later expressed his gratitude over the warm welcome to say, “We are honoured to have been graciously welcomed by the Akshardham community. This visit has strengthened our nations’ friendship bonds and highlighted the significance of cultural exchange.”
Waltz said, “Our visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham has been an incredible experience that deepened our understanding of India’s cultural and spiritual roots. The warm reception and the opportunity to partake in sacred rituals have left a lasting impression on our delegation.”
The delegates also visited the celebration of India’s Independence Day at the Red Fort where prime minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech and met him later in the capital.
