The virus was detected in more than 1,000 people in just 48 hours in the city of Haridwar, which lies along the holy river where the Kumbh Mela is being observed, officials said. Despite rising virus cases, pilgrims have gathered in huge numbers to take part in the holy celebration. It is because of that strong belief that so many people have come here to take a dip in Ganga,' Siddharth Chakrapani, a member of one of the Kumbh Mela organising committees, told AFP news agency. Dr Arjun Sengar, the health officer at the Kumbh Mela, said nine top religious leaders had tested positive. India has reported 13.9million cases of coronavirus since the pandemic began last spring.

Source: The Nation April 14, 2021 14:04 UTC