Sacred super-spreader: Kumbh Mela begins amid second wave of COVID-19
Down To Earth captures the sights, sounds and the violations of COVID-19 rules at the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar
The Kumbh Mela, the largest annual gathering of human beings on the planet began on April 12, 2021 with the first ‘Shahi Snan’ or ‘royal bath’ at Haridwar in Uttarakhand even as the second wave of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is raging. Here, the camera captures a group of ‘Naga Sadhus’ or naked ascetics without masks. Photo: Midhun Vijayan
The Kumbh Mela, the largest annual gathering of human beings on the planet began on April 12, 2021 with the first ‘Shahi Snan’ or ‘royal bath’ at Haridwar in Uttarakhand even as the second wave of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is raging. Here, the camera captures a group of ‘Naga Sadhus’ or naked ascetics without masks. Photo: Midhun Vijayan
The flouting of COVID-19 rules was there for all to see on April 12. According to the directions given by the government, children less than 10 years of age or elders above 65 were not to attend the Kumbh. However, this was openly flouted on the ground, with many of the ascetics coming to Haridwar themselves very advanced in years, besides commoners as is seen in this photograph. Photo: Midhun Vijayan
Down To Earth also heard complaints from the locals of Haridwar who feared that the event would lead to a catastrophe in and around the city due to a flood of COVID-19 cases. Here, a group of locals watches a procession of ascetics. Photo: Midhun Vijayan
Throughout the day, people continued to throng the area, especially the 3-4 kilometre stretch of road between Haridwar and the bathing ghat of Har ki Pauri. This happened despite the police, paramilitary forces and even Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers barricading the stretch as is seen in this photo. Photo: Midhun Vijayan
Heard of social distancing? Here, pilgrims cram a bridge at Har ki Pauri as they approach the ghat to take a dip. Mela Inspector General Sanjay Gunjyal seemingly washed his hands off the matter, telling reporters it had become very difficult to implement the standard operating procedure related to COVID-19 instituted by the Government of India and the Government of Uttarakhand on April 12. Photo: Midhun Vijayan
An estimated 3,130,000 pilgrims bathed in the Ganga between 4 am and 6 pm April 12, the Kumbh Mela Control Room told DTE. On April 11, 95,000 people did so. On April 10, this number was close to 40,000. As can be seen in this photo, there is no social distancing or masks. Photo: Midhun Vijayan
Haridwar Chief Medical Superintendent AK Sanger told DTE that COVID-19 infection was definitely on the rise. “We are doing more antigen tests. COVID-19 infection is more common in people coming from outside. Random tests are being done in the border areas and in the fair area,” he said. Here, the interior of a hospital room in Haridwar can be seen. Photo: Mithun Vijayan
