Kumbh Mela attended by 3.5 million pilgrims as India becomes the second most COVID-19 affected country in the world

Vaamanaa SethiApr 13, 2021, 13:19 IST

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Around 35 lakh pilgrims gathered at the bank of river Ganga to take the holy dip (Shahi snan) in Kumbh Mela, Haridwar.
Where other states are declaring night curfew or lockdown to fight the battle of COVID cases, pilgrims in Uttarakhand are gathering in masses to celebrate Kumbh Mela festival.
Here are some pictures from the famous Kumbh Mela being celebrated in Haridwar.

Around 35 lakh pilgrims gathered at the bank of river Ganga to take the holy dip (Shahi Snan) in Kumbh Mela, Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand amid the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the country.

Where other states are declaring night curfew or lockdown to fight the battle of COVID cases, pilgrims in Uttarakhand are gathering in masses to celebrate the famous Hindu festival Kumbh Mela which is celebrated once in every 12 years.

The state of Uttarakhand has 7,846 active COVID-19 cases and has already reported 1,333 COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the highest single day spike of this year. Night curfew has been imposed in the district of Dehradun -- almost 50 kilometres from Haridwar -- from 10 pm to 5 am.

Around 18,169 pilgrims were tested for COVID-19 and 102 out of them turned out to be positive on Monday, April 11.

Here are some pictures from the famous Kumbh Mela being celebrated in Haridwar:

35 lakh devotees joined the celebration of Kumbh Mela

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Around 35 lakh people gathered around the river Ganga to take the holy dip (Shahi Snan). It is believed that this dip in the holy water of Ganga will acquit them from all sins.

Three main days of Kumbh Mela

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There are three main days of Kumbh Mela or Shahi Snan (Royal bath) and the dates are April 12,14, and 27. Indian Railways has also organised 25 special trains on these three days from various locations straight to Haridwar for the pilgrims.

Uttarakhand High court mandates negative RT-PCR report

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Uttarakhand high court has made it mandatory for all the devotees to carry negative RT-PCR test and the authorities responsible for organising the Mela said that they will strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

No COVID-19 protocols maintained

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It is highly evident that COVID-19 protocols like maintaining social distance and wearing a face mask were not followed by the devotees.

No ‘rok-tok’ says Uttarakahand CM

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister Tirath Singh Rawat said in a statement that there should be no ‘rok-tok’ which means nobody should obstruct, as this ‘Mela’ is open for all.

Practically impossible to issue challan due to large crowd

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The state’s Inspector General Sanjay Gunjyal was quoted by the media as saying, “ We are continuously appealing to people to follow COVID-19 norms,” however due to large crowds it is practically impossible to issue challan.

General public allowed till 7 am

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The state’s Inspector further said that the general public will be allowed here till 7 am only.

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Kumbh Mela attended by 3.5 million pilgrims as India becomes the second most COVID-19 affected country in the world

35 lakh devotees joined the celebration of Kumbh Mela

Three main days of Kumbh Mela

Uttarakhand High court mandates negative RT-PCR report

No COVID-19 protocols maintained

No ‘rok-tok’ says Uttarakahand CM

Practically impossible to issue challan due to large crowd

General public allowed till 7 am