Thousands of Hindu devotees gathered by the river Ganges in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar on Sunday to offer prayers during the Kumbh Mela.
The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gathering of Hindus in the world.
The Health Ministry has and the state government has made a negative RT-PCR result mandatory for those visiting Haridwar.
Hundreds of seers representing the thirteen Akhadas will also take the holy dip in the Ganges on Monday.
Monday is the day of the Shahi Snan which is considered to be an auspicious day to take holy dip in the river.
In Haridwar, there are 2056 active COVID-19 cases and SK Gunjyal, IG and Mela Police officer told NDTV:
”It’s a very challenging exercise to manage crowds. There are guidelines from the state and the Central governments. SOPs have also been issued to the general public that will be applicable till 30th April which require public to submit negative RT-PCR report, a medical certificate and identity card to generate e-pass to be able to access Haridwar Kumbh area.”
Held every 12 years, this year’s Kumbh Mela is taking place as India is gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experts have urged the devotees and general public to avoid large gathering and maintain social distancing to avoid further spread of the coronavirus.
