Kumbh Mela 2021: Over 100 Devotees, 20 Seers Test Positive For COVID-19
At least 102 devotees who turned up at Kumbh Mela in Haridwar for the second shahi snan (royal bath) in the Ganga tested positive for Covid-19, authorities said on April 13. Now, nearly 20 seers have tested positive as well. Yet, health officials said, the religious heads are not getting tested, refusing to wear masks and not following social distancing norms at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. According to a report, over 18,169 devotees were tested between 11.30 pm April 11 and 5 pm April 12. Lakhs of devotees visited Haridwar for the 12-day Kumbh Mela. By the estimates of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP), the presiding body of all akhadas, about one lakh seers were at the religious congregation on April 12 for the Shahi Snan, reported The Times Of India.