Japanese Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi takes three holy dips in the River Ganga at Rishikesh, describing the spiritual experience as truly unforgettable…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Japanese Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi took a holy dip in the River Ganga in Rishikesh, describing the experience as a “truly unforgettable moment” and speaking of a profound spiritual connection with India’s ancient traditions.
The Japanese envoy shared photographs and a video of his visit on social media, showing himself immersed in the sacred river and lighting an earthen lamp on its banks.
Keiichi said he took a full dip in the Ganga three times during the Janmashtami weekend and was deeply moved by the atmosphere surrounding the centuries-old religious traditions.
“Finally, a full dip in the Ganges in Rishikesh—three times!” he wrote on X. “Surrounded by people carrying on centuries-old faith and traditions, I felt a profound spiritual connection, along with awe, humility, and gratitude. A truly unforgettable moment.”
The ambassador has frequently shared glimpses of his travels across India and his experiences exploring the country’s diverse culture and cuisine.
Last month, Keiichi sampled masala dosa and filter coffee at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi, describing it as “a wonderful taste of South India”.
Earlier, he and members of his staff enjoyed dhokla and chaas at Gujarat Bhawan, while in May he visited Andhra Pradesh Bhavan, where he relished an authentic thali and the traditional dessert Double Ka Meetha.
Keiichi has also highlighted cultural links between India and Japan. On International Tea Day in May, he participated in an India-Japan Cultural Exchange on Tea at the UN House in New Delhi.
Drawing parallels between the two countries’ tea traditions, the ambassador noted that while masala chai and Japanese matcha differ in taste and cultural expression, both reflect shared values of respect, hospitality and harmony.
His latest visit to Rishikesh adds another chapter to the envoy’s ongoing exploration of India’s cultural traditions, with his spiritual experience on the banks of the Ganga drawing warm reactions online.
