Kumbh Mela 2021: Nepal's King Gyanendra to take part in 'Shahi Snan' in Haridwar

Nepal’s last King Gyanendra Beer Vikram Shah Dev will be having ‘Shahi Snan’ on April 12 at Mahakubh Mela in Haridwar on occasion of Somavati Amavasya. Devotees from across nation arrived in Haridwar to take holy dip in Ganga at several Ghats in city. Monday also marks second Shahi Snan of Mahakumbh that has been organised in city after at least 12 years. As per reports, all Sant Akhadas are participating in Shahi Snan adhering to time allotted by administration.

However, a large number of devotees thronged banks of river for Kumbh Mela and violated COVID-19 restrictions especially when re is a surge of vel coronavirus infections. huge mask-less crowd flocked to Har Ki Pauri ghat for Shahi Snan or royal bath, violating safety guidelines issued by Health Ministry. A negative RT-PCR test report taken 72 hours before arrival is mandatory for devotees garing for Kumbh. visuals have triggered a row online, with many people asking wher it is prudent to have such a garing with cases rising at an unprecedented rate.

Kumbh Mela IG Sanjay Gunjyal said, “We are continuously appealing to people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour. But due to huge crowd, it is practically t possible to issue challans today. It is very difficult to ensure social distancing at ghats” before adding that a stampeded-like situation might arise if y would try to enforce rules.

Over 350 CCTV cameras at Kumbh Mela

For first time ever, over 350 CCTV cameras have been installed at different locations in Kumbh, with about 100 of se equipped with sensors that generate an alert when a person is captured without a mask. Furr, it was said that AI-equipped cameras can generate an alert when crowd density increases in sites that are prone to stampede. 

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, duration of Kumbh Mela has been curtailed to 30 days for first time in history of grand religious congregation. This year Kumbh is being organised from April 1 to 30. Generally, celebration goes on for nearly four months once in 12 years. 

Im credits: AP/PTI