BBC viewers in tears as Amol Rajan breaks down over tragic loss

BBC viewers were left sobbing just minutes into Amol Rajan Goes to the Ganges, as the journalist and broadcaster broke down on camera while opening up about the loss of his father during an emotional heritage journey to trace his dad's roots in India. "I've avoided thinking about him because it's too painful," Amol admitted, his voice cracking as he wiped away tears ahead of his emotional journey to India. The raw moment struck a chord with viewers at home, many of whom took to social media to share their own grief.

"8mins in I am sobbing. I hope you find acceptance & healing," one wrote. "Lost my Dad 2 years ago, so feel your pain. Grief is a long road." Another added: "Both my parents died over the last 5 years... getting quite teary myself with the parallels." One viewer simply wrote: "May have already shed a tear." Rajan, who live-tweeted during the programme, thanked fans for watching and said he was "genuinely honoured" by the outpouring of support.

He wasn't travelling alone - Amol was joined by his mother, whose calm presence proved a lifeline throughout the journey.

Amol Admitted on the show that his mother, a practising Hindu, "seemed to have an emotional toolkit that I lacked."

Viewers were equally moved by her presence, with many taking to social media to sing her praises. "Your mum is a force of nature and so lovely.

Really enjoying the programme," one fan wrote. Another said: "This is a wonderful programme, I love your sincerity and sensitivity - and your Mum is a treasure!"

A third added: "Your mum is wonderful and loved her advice for you to enjoy and chill on your journey."

Amol himself acknowledged the wave of admiration, tweeting live during the show: "My Mum is the most extraordinary person.

"If you're one of the thousands of people watching this on @BBCOne and thinking my Mum is a legend, I confirm you are absolutely correct."

On the ground in India, Amol journeyed to the vast Kumbh Mela, the world's largest Hindu pilgrimage, where millions gather to bathe at the Ganges.

Initially overwhelmed by the scale and intensity, he found himself emotionally triggered by the many older Indian men who reminded him of his father.

The 41-year-old father-of-four joined over 500 million pilgrims from all over the globe with one goal: to bathe in the sacred waters where the Ganges, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati meet "to purify their souls and gain salvation for themselves and their families."

By taking part in this ritual, it's said Amol can release his father's soul from the never-ending cycle of life and death.

His pilgrimage culminated in a touching ritual: he released oatmeal into the sacred river - a symbolic farewell to his father.

As he whispered "Bye, Dad," he told viewers he could feel the "cosmic energies flowing through me right now ... in the Holy Ganga."