Japanese Ambassador takes three Ganga dips in Rishikesh, calls it 'unforgettable'
Japan's Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, immersed himself three times in the holy Ganga during a visit to Rishikesh over the Janmashtami weekend, describing the experience as filled with awe, humility and gratitude.
Japanese Ambassador takes three Ganga dips in Rishikesh, calls it 'unforgettable'
Japan's Ambassador to India, Ono Keiichi, has immersed himself in one of the country's most sacred spiritual traditions by taking three ritual dips in the Ganga during a visit to Rishikesh over the Janmashtami weekend in early September.
Sharing video footage and photographs on X, the ambassador described the experience as one filled with "awe, humility, and gratitude" as he witnessed devotees observing centuries-old faith traditions along the river.
"Finally, a full dip in the Ganges in Rishikesh — three times!" Ono wrote, calling the moment "truly unforgettable".
The video shows the ambassador entering the river while holding onto a chain along the riverbank. He also shared a selfie taken from the water and photographs from his visit, including one showing him holding a diya as the atmosphere of Ganga aarti unfolded around him.
Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World, sits in the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the holy River Ganges in Uttarakhand state. The city marks the point where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains, making it one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites alongside Haridwar, Prayagraj and Varanasi.
According to Hindu tradition, taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga is believed to cleanse sins and grant salvation, which is why devotees perform this ritual at locations such as Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh.
The ambassador's visit coincided with Janmashtami, celebrated on September 4-5 to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, with the main Nishita Puja performed at midnight on September 4.
During his visit, Ono witnessed the Ganga Aarti, a daily evening ritual performed at sunset at locations including Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan Ashram. The ceremony, which typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour, is conducted by Vedic priests and students studying the Vedas, involving the chanting of mantras, singing of bhajans, and offerings made to the river with oil lamps.
Cultural engagement beyond diplomacy
The ambassador's spiritual experience in Rishikesh forms part of his broader engagement with Indian culture during his diplomatic assignment. Ono has frequently shared glimpses of his culinary adventures across the country, drawing attention for his willingness to embrace local food and traditions.
Earlier this year, he posted a photograph of himself eating biryani with his hands in Delhi. Comparing the experience with eating sushi, he noted the Indian dish tasted even better when eaten by hand.
He has also introduced his social media followers to Bihar's popular litti chokha. Describing the traditional dish as "world-famous", Ono shared his reaction in Bhojpuri, writing "Gajab swad ba", meaning "Great taste".
His posts have offered a more personal dimension to his diplomatic role, highlighting India's food, customs and cultural diversity.
A diplomat with India experience
Ono assumed his position as Ambassador to India on October 23, 2024, and presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu on November 25, 2024.
Before his ambassadorial appointment, he served as Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and was the G7/G20 Sherpa for the Prime Minister, contributing to the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit 2023 and G20 New Delhi Summit 2023. His prior involvement with high-level diplomatic engagements has given him substantial experience with India.
His appointment comes at a significant moment in bilateral relations. Japan and India celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership in 2024, a relationship forged under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
The ties between the two nations are highly institutionalized, with more than 70 bilateral dialogue mechanisms across sectors, including a 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting framework established in 2018.
His visit to Rishikesh has now added another memorable chapter to his public engagement with India, with the ambassador describing his experience on the Ganga as one he will not forget.
