PRYAGRAJ, Dec. 5 -- The first batch of participants in the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 received a grand welcome upon their arrival in Prayagraj on Thursday. Mayor Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesarwani and city magistrate Vinod Kumar Singh greeted the delegates with traditional tilak and garlands. Nearly 200 members arrived in the inaugural group, officials said. From Prayagraj, the delegates left for Ayodhya. Under the Kashi Tamil Sangamam programme, seven groups in total will travel from Varanasi to Prayagraj. From Prayagraj, they will proceed to Ayodhya in phases. The first group arrived on Thursday and will be followed by subsequent groups arriving on December 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16. In Prayagraj, students of Jagat Taran Girls' Inter College welcomed the guests with melodious songs, while noted singer Shivank Dwivedi and his team captivated the gathering with devotional hymns. Delegates were also presented with sacred Ganga Jal as a symbol of blessing. On this occasion, Mayor Kesarwani felicitated the team leader with a memento and an angavastram (a shawl). A special exhibition of rare archival documents and manuscripts, organised by the Regional Archives and Government Manuscript Library, was also set up. Ancient texts on paper and palm leaves attracted significant attention from visitors. Speaking at the event, Mayor Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesarwani expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, stating that the initiative reflects his vision of strengthening national unity. He added that the visit of delegates from South India to North India showcases India's shared culture, traditions, and heritage. "The confluence of North and South is being witnessed today on the sacred banks of the Sangam," he remarked. Following the welcome ceremony, the delegates were taken from the VIP Ghat on the banks of the Sangam on beautifully decorated boats to witness the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. Many also took a dip in the sacred waters and offered prayers. After the Sangam visit, the team paid obeisance at the Bade Hanuman temple, followed by visits to the Shankar Viman Mandapam and Swaminarayan Temples....