AN American Congressional delegation led by Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Michael Waltz -- co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans -- which visited India this week, went to the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple in New Delhi on Tuesday (15), the day the south Asian nation celebrated its 77th Independence Day.
The delegation, which included Democratic Congresswoman Deborah Ross and her Republican counterpart Kat Cammack, was given a traditional welcome. They performed the Hindu ritual 'abhishek' at the temple and admired its architecture and eagerly learned about the temple's design and spiritual philosophy.
(L-R) US Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Kat Cammack, Ro Khanna and Michael Waltz perform 'Abhishek' ritual at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi on August 15, 2023. (Picture: Akshardham Delhi)
During 'abhishek', the delegates poured sanctified water on a statue of Lord Swaminarayan at the temple as a call for peace and best wishes.
(L-R) US Congressmen Michael Waltz and Ro Khanna with two top priests of Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi on August 15, 2023. (Picture: Akshardham Delhi)
Khanna, a politician of Indian origin, later expressed his gratitude over the warm welcome to say, "We are honoured to have been graciously welcomed by the Akshardham community. This visit has strengthened our nations' friendship bonds and highlighted the significance of cultural exchange."
US Congresswoman Kat Cammack being given a traditional welcome at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi on August 15, 2023. (Picture: Akshardham Delhi)
Waltz said, "Our visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham has been an incredible experience that deepened our understanding of India's cultural and spiritual roots. The warm reception and the opportunity to partake in sacred rituals have left a lasting impression on our delegation."
US Congresswoman Deborah Ross being given a traditional welcome at Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi on August 15, 2023. (Picture: Akshardham Delhi)
The delegates also visited the celebration of India's Independence Day at the Red Fort where prime minister Narendra Modi delivered a speech and met him later in the capital.
President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian holds up a poster of a girl's school that was attacked while addressing the 81st session of the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly at U.N. Headquarters on September 23, 2026 in New York City. World leaders have gathered in New York for the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, with this year's global issues ranging from the threat of artificial intelligence to the continued wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Getty Images