New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar must be now kept ‘symbolic’ to help India in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic after speaking to Swami Avdheshanand Giri over the phone.
Several seers have tested positive for Covid-19 and two chief seers, or mahamandaleshwars, have succumbed to the viral disease.
Modi requested that since two Shahi Snans had been conducted, the Kumbh Mela be held in a symbolic manner given the Covid-19 situation.
The PM 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,” Swami Chakrapani said in a statement.