Kumbh Should Now Only Be Symbolic: PM Modi Appeals to Top Seer

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 17 April, said that the ongoing Kumbh Mela should now only 'be symbolic' as the country continues to grapple with an unprecedented health crisis.

Mass gathering of thousands of pilgrims along the banks of the Ganga has been a cause for concern and a public health threat as India witnesses a second wave of COVID-19 and several states are reporting an alarming surge in the number of COVID-19 infections.

In a tweet on Saturday morning, the prime minister said that he spoke to a head seer, Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha president Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, over phone and made an appeal about the annual gathering in wake of the crisis.

He added that his appeal comes after two shahi snans have already taken place.

मैंने प्रार्थना की है कि दो शाही स्नान हो चुके हैं और अब कुंभ को कोरोना के संकट के चलते प्रतीकात्मक ही रखा जाए। इससे इस संकट से लड़ाई को एक ताकत मिलेगी। @AvdheshanandG

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2021

In response, the seer tweeted, "We respect Prime Minister's appeal. Saving lives is important. I request the people to not come for snan in large numbers, in the wake of COVID-19 situation, and follow all rules."

Also Read: Blatant Violation of COVID SOP: Plea in SC Against Kumbh Gathering

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