ALLAHABAD: Indians living aboard recently got a pleasant surprise -- a direct invite from prime minister Narendra Modi to be a part of the world's biggest religious congregation – Kumbh at Prayagraj– commencing from January 15. The invite from the Prime Miniser has been sent to the people of Indian origin through ministry of external affairs to visit Varanasi for Pravasi Divas on January 21-23 and then Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and Republic Day City residents whose relatives are settled oversees are elated as the PM's invite will give them an opportunity to get united with their loved ones. Sardar Patel resident, Nandni Mehrotra told TOI, “My bua (aunty) is settled in Arizona in USA, she is planning a trip to Varanasi and Prayagraj after she received an email from ministery of external affairs wherein the prime minister Narendra Modi had invited them to attend Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas at Varanasi from January 21 to 23 and Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj to witness the culture and tradition of the country.The PM's letter reads, “Dear friends, wishing your family a happy new year 2019. Hope this New Year would help to take you New height and success. I am writing this letter in connection with Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas. This year, Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is being organised at Varanasi from Jan 21 to 23. Being Prime Minister, I would be inaugurating the event as well as being the MP of Varanasi, I have an opportunity to welcome you.The letter also says, “This time, the Pravasi Diwas is also associated with two more occasions including Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj and Republic Day on January 26. In all, the Pravasi Diwas would be more unique as well as different from other occasions. You would witness a new India apart from rich cultural heritage and traditions."The PM has also requested Pravasi Indians to encourage their friends and relatives settled aboard to be part of Pravasi Diwas in Varanasi who have earlier not god an opportunity for the same.Nandini, meanwhile, said, “After receiving letter from the PM, my relatives are quite excited and have decided to make necessary arrangements as they would be coming to India after a long time to see the Kumbh which they had witnessed in their childhood days.“When I talked to my aunty, she exchanged memories of old Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh festivals attended by her during childhood days," said Nandini adding “but when I told her this time, Kumbh is being organised in a grand manner and in a new colour, she too expressed willingness to be part of it,” added Nandini.Nandini said that NRIs have been appealed by the ministry to register themselves which would help them to participate in all events including Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, Kumbh and then Republic Day.Not only Nandini, Uma Dwivedi, whose daughter Shikha is settled in US, has too received letter from the ministry of external affairs and is chalking out plan to visit Kumbh Mela.Dwivedi said, "It is a good opportunity for the family members to be part of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas and Kumbh Mela”. She claimed, "Kumbh Mela has made its reach worldwide and people settled in different countries are being invited for the first time by the Prime Minister through external affair ministry.”

Stay updated with all the Allahabad Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.