India: Crowds bathe in Ganges in Kumbh Mela festival despite soaring COVID-19 cases

Subscribe to our channel! Over two million Hindu worshippers headed to the banks of the Ganges River as they gathered for the first day of the Kumbh Mela festival, in Haridwar on Monday, despite a soaring number of cases of COVID-19. Worshippers could be seen performing different rituals, many of which entailed dipping in the river which they hold to be sacred. Ash-smeared and dreadlocked Naga sadhus, holy men also took part, plunging into the river. According to officials it was difficult to impose safety precautions including social distancing or wearing masks, due to the large number of crowds. Saritha, a devotee from Ahmedabad said, “We are not worried about the pandemic. The arrangements are really good and we are enjoying and feeling blessed. The event is going on successfully.“ District officials have urged people to come only after having tested negative for coronavirus, to wear masks at all times, and to maintain social distancing. This year, Kumbh Mela will be held from Jan