Sangam water from Maha Kumbh, makhana, saree: What PM Modi gifted Mauritius President, First Lady

For Brinda Gokhool, the wife of the Mauritian President, Modi chose a Banarasi saree, a symbol of India’s rich textile heritage

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Mauritius President Dharam Gokhool with the holy Sangam water from Maha Kumbh Mela, stored in an elegant brass and copper pot. As part of the exchange, Modi also gifted him ‘makhana’, a nutrient-rich superfood from Bihar.

For Brinda Gokhool, the wife of the Mauritian President, Modi chose a Banarasi saree, a symbol of India’s rich textile heritage. The saree was placed inside a Sadeli box from Gujarat, a finely crafted container used to store precious items like sarees and jewellery. He also gifted them a Lord Ganesha idol.

The Prime Minister is currently on a two-day visit to Mauritius. He arrived there earlier today and received a grand welcome at the airport.

Before meeting the President, PM Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam and both the leaders planted a sapling at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden.

“Humbled by the heartfelt gesture of my friend, Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam, in taking part in ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’—a tribute to nature, motherhood and sustainability. His support stands tall as a symbol of our shared commitment to a greener and better future,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.

He laid a wreath at the concrete 'Samadhi' of Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the founding father of Mauritius and Anerood Jugnauth, former President and Prime Minister of Mauritius.

Earlier, the Prime Minister received a memorable welcome at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport by his Mauritius counterpart.

Ramgoolam was joined by the Deputy Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Mauritius, Speaker of the National Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Foreign Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Chairperson of Grand Port District Council and many others.

A total of 200 dignitaries were present to welcome Modi.

Modi last visited Mauritius in 2015.