Thousands take 'Shahi Snan' at Kumbh Mela amid Covid-19 surge

The sacred city of Haridwar hosted the Kumbh Mela amid rising Covid-19 cases in the country. While measures such as shortening the occasion to a month-long event have been taken, the question of whether it is enough arises. Monday saw thousands of devotees flock to the banks of Ganga to take the second royal bath or 'Shahi Snan' of the Mela. Many of them were seen without face masks and were not adhering to social distancing regulations. India is currently the second-worst Covid-hit country after having overtaken Brazil.

The administration claims there were 17.31 Lakh attendees at Monday's royal bath or 'shahi snan' until 10 am.

This year's Kumbh Mela has been cut down to one month amid the coronavirus surge.

Many are concerned as the Maha Kumbh is turning out to be meeting point for flouting Covid-19 norms.

Numerous attendees have been spotted without face masks, not adhering to social distancing.

Seers marched as a part of ‘Shobha Yatras’ meeting at Brahma Kund, Hari ki Pairi for the holy dip on ‘Somvati Amavasya’.

While Hari Ki Pairi was reserved for the akhadas from 7 am, other devotees also took the holy dip on the other ghats of the sacred river.

Uttarakhand police has said they will use AI cameras to spot mask-defaulters.