Amitabh Bachchan participates in Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh

April 1, 2022

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Parmarth Niketan and Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati hosted Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan and the cast of his movie Goodbye, at the Rishikesh ashram according to an April 1, 2022 press release. Photo: Courtesy Parmarth Niketan

Whilst shooting for his new film Goodbye, Bollywood Superstar Amitabh Bachchan along with Director Vikas Bahl, Actress Elli Avram, as well as the rest of the cast and crew of the production, joined for a special meeting with Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati to perform the Parmarth Ganga Aarti.

Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati with Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan at aarti, according to April 1, 2022 press release. Photo: Courtesy Parmarth Niketan

“No doubt Amitabhji is a living legend in the Indian film industry, but he is also deeply dedicated to his country and has made his nation and its people proud,” Swami Chidanand Saraswati is quoted saying during the evening in an April 1, 2022, press release. He added, “Amitabhji has inspired generations and will continue to inspire generations to come with his incredible gift and excellence in his craft. Amitabhji hails from the banks of Mother Ganga, from Prayagraj, and to many is still endeared as Chora Ganga Kinare Wale and today in the Yoga Capital of the World, on the holy banks of Maa Ganga in Rishikesh it is so apt to welcome him Home.”

Angvastra ceremony at Rishikesh Parmarth Niketan. Seen in photo Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Amitabh Bachchan. April 1, 2022. Photo: courtesy Parmarth Niketan

Water blessing ceremony at Parmarth Niketan April 1, 2022. Amitabh Bachchan with Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagwati. Photo: courtesy Parmarth Niketan

Sadhvi Bhagawatiji said, “This sacred land is so deeply transformative. Whether you come here simply as a pilgrim or as a personality like Amitabh Bachchanji, the sacred soil has the power to touch and transform us. I am so glad to welcome Amitabhji to his Himalayan home and so glad to have many of the scenes from his next film shot here in Rishikesh. I am sure the mere darshan of this sacred pilgrimage will inspire countless many.”

Amitabh Bachchan visits Parmarth Niketan in Rishikesh April 1, 2022, with cast and crew of his film Goodbye. Also seen in photo Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadvi Bhagwati. Photo courtesy Parmarth Niketan

Bachchan received a sacred Rudraksha sapling, an Angvastra and was presented a garland during the Aarti. He was also part of the sacred water blessing ceremony and was presented a murti of Lord Shiva.

With the completion of filming for Goodbye in Rishikesh and at the Ashram, Swami Chidanand Saraswati recognized the importance of Uttarakhand in India’s powerful film industry, noting that it was the “Best Spiritual Destination, the Best Wildlife Destination, the Best Adventure Destination. And the holy valleys of the Himalayas and the holy banks of Maa Gangaji are Best Destinations themselves,” and urged that “to keep our beloved state as the best destination in the world, we have to keep this state green and clean, and we must keep the culture and rites alive in the mountains.”