In the wake a health emergency in the country, PM Modi urged to the senior most peers of the akhada that the Kumbh Mela in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar be “only symbolic” in the face of an unprecedented increase in coronavirus cases across the country. After the PM’s appeal, Swami Avdheshanand Giri, one of the country’s top seers, announced an early end to Juna Akhara’s month-long mega festival.
“Our top priority is to protect the people of India against Coronavirus. We performed the visarjan of all Gods in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Juna Akhara’s Kumbh has come to an end “He tweetedhttps://twitter.com/AvdheshanandG/status/1383397955021930502?s=20 in Hindi.
In a video message, the seer urged other seers to follow the Prime Minister’s advice and only participate in the remaining two shahi snan, or royal baths, in a symbolic capacity.
Thousands of people attended the Kumbh Mela, which began on April 1, at a time when the country has been consistently logging over a lakh daily coronavirus cases, raising concerns that the religious gathering could exacerbate the Covid situation.
Prior to this, a few days back, one of thr senior most revered sadhu died of COVID-19, and many others tested positive for the virus after attending the festival, which runs until April 30.
PM Modi made the appeal over the phone to Swami Avdheshanand Giri this morning. I request you all that the two “shahi snan” be released “(royal baths) have occurred, and Kumbh (participation) should now be considered symbolic. This will help in the fight against the crisis “PM Modi sent out a tweet in Hindi.
Swami Avdheshanand responded to PM Modi’s tweet with: “We respect Prime Minister Modi’s appeal. It is sacred to save lives. I ask that people refrain from congregating in large groups for the ritual bath and that they follow all Covid protocols.”
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the akharas, which wield enormous power and influence, had agreed to cancel the Kumbh in the face of mounting health concerns and criticism. Officials insisted that no talks had taken place and that the Kumbh would proceed as planned.
For the past few weeks, India has seen a massive increase in coronavirus cases. In the largest daily spike so far, 2,34,692 new COVID-19 cases were reported this morning.
