BJP Makes a Delayed U-Turn, Modi Says Kumbh Attendance Should Now Be Symbolic
There are currently 13,546 active COVID-19 cases in Uttarakhand. On April 4, this number was 837.
Devotees gather to offer prayers during Ganga aarti at Kumbh Mela, at Har ki Pouri, in Haridwar, Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Photo: PTI
Religion9 hours ago
New Delhi:Â Faced with the reality that ‘Maa Ganga’ washing away the virus wasn’t, in fact, an appropriate way to combat COVID-19 at the massive Kumbh Mela being held at Haridwar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now said that participation in the religious festival should now be “symbolic”.
Modi tweeted that he spoke to Swami Avdheshanand Giri of the Juna Akhara over the telephone and enquired about the health of saints, many of whom have contracted the virus. “I prayed that two ‘shahi snan’ have taken place and Kumbh (participation) should now be kept symbolic. This will boost the fight against this crisis,” Modi tweeted in Hindi.