Hindu pilgrims have descended on the banks of the Ganges river in northern India, shrugging off COVID-19 risks for the start of the Kumbh Mela (Pitcher Fair), a religious festival that regularly attracts millions.
India’s severe outbreak – the second-most coronavirus infections in the world and more than 150,000 deaths – has not stopped devout Hindus from making the pilgrimage to Haridwar in Uttarakhand state.
“The pandemic is a bit of a worry, but we are taking all precautions,” said organiser Siddharth Chakrapani, who expected between 800,000 and a million people to attend on Thursday alone.
“I am sure Maa Ganga [Mother Ganges] will take care of their safety,” he added, referring to the river considered holy by the faithful.