Kumbh visitors defy virus
HUNDREDS of thousands of pilgrims descended on the banks of the Ganges river last Thursday (14) trusting in faith rather than their masks to shield them against the pandemic during the giant Kumbh Mela festival.
Most of the hordes, aged between three and over 80, who walked into the revered but freezing river in the morning mist did not have masks and social distancing was an organisational nightmare.
Senior police official
Senthil Avoodai K Raj, who predicted between 500,000 and one million people would enter the city on the day, said thousands of thousands of security forces in the crowds were trying to tell people to wear masks. He added fines could be imposed for breaching regulations.
“The pandemic is a bit of a worry, but we are taking all precautions,” said organiser Siddharth Chakrapani.
“I’m sure Maa Ganga will take care of their safety,” he added.