Kumbh Mela 2021: Huge turnout on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya amid surge in COVID-19 cases- In Pics

The second 'Shahi Snan', which was organised on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya, an auspicious day for Hindus. "Till 6 pm today, a total of 31 lakh devotees have taken 'snan' in and around the Kumbh Mela area," Police Control Room of the area announced on Monday (April 13).

(Picture credits: AP)

A large number of individuals were spotted on Monday without face masks. Numerous individuals were also found violating COVID-19 protocols in place. Mela Inspector General Sanjay Gunjyal said, “100 percent compliance with COVID-19 norms was not possible with such a large crowd of seers converging on the ghats.”

(Picture credits: PTI)

 

On Monday, over 26 people tested positive in the 9,678 random COVID-19 tests conducted in the Maha Kumbh mela. 

(Picture credits: Reuters)

Former King of Nepal Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah, on his maiden visit to Haridwar, was among the devotees who took a holy bath in the river.

(Picture credits: PTI)

As per the authorities, over 20,000 paramilitary personnel were deployed on Monday to keep an eye over the Maha Kumbh mela, which spreads to over 600 hectares.

(Picture credits: PTI)

Ashok Kumar, Uttarakhand Police chief, said that “the footfall is 50 percent less than what the authorities were expecting this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

(Picture credits: PTI)