BCCL
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.
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 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.
It is highly evident that COVID-19 protocols like maintaining social distance and wearing a face mask were not followed by the devotees.
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.
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.
The state’s Inspector further said that the general public will be allowed here till 7 am only.
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