In a major development amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed on Saturday morning that he had requested Swami Avdheshanand Giri to hold the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar in a symbolic manner.
Swami Avdheshanand Giri is the head of the Shree Panch Dashnaam Juna Akhara, the largest of the 13 Akharas. Shree Panch Dashnaam Juna Akhara is the oldest and one of the original seven Akharas. The Akhara plays a prominent role in the Kumbh Mela.
The Kumbh Mela had been criticised heavily over the past week given the congregation of lakhs of devotees amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. At least 2,000 devotees at the Kumbh Mela have, reportedly, tested positive in the past week.
Modi tweeted on Saturday that he had spoken to Avdheshanand Giri and enquired about the well-being of the devotees. He thanked the devotees for cooperating with authorities.
Modi requested that since two Shahi Snans had been conducted, the Kumbh Mela be held in a symbolic manner given the COVID-19 situation. Modi tweeted, “the Kumbh be kept symbolic due to the Corona crisis. This will give strength to the fight against this crisis”.
Giri responded to Modi’s tweet, stating, “We respect the call of the respected PM. The safety of life is important. I appeal to the religion-following public that in view of the COVID situation, do not come in large numbers for the Snan and follow COVID-19 rules.”
Swami Chakrapani Maharaj of the Hindu Mahasabha also backed Modi’s call. “The appeal of the PM to curtail the Kumbh is in the interest of humanity and people. All followers of Sanathan dharma should respect the appeal and must cooperate in national interest,” Chakrapani said in a statement.
Shahi Snans were held on April 12 and 14. The final Shahi Snan was to be held on April 27.
(With inputs from Puja Awasthi)