try to enforce covid restrictions. pilgrims have to show their vaccine certificates along with an rt—pcr test report ta ken two days before arrival. but most here believe god will save them from covid. 3 million people are expected here. doctors asked of the state high court to stop the festival, fearing it would become a super spreader event, but that was rejected. they are worried because last april there was a record rise in coronavirus cases after the government of uttarakhand state in the north allowed the massive kumbh mela festival to go ahead. the indian prime minister, narendra modi, says the festivals show india's vibrant cultural diversity. meanwhile, coronavirus cases are predicted to peak next week in new delhi and mumbai as the country battles with the highest number of cases since may last year.