The Kumbh Mela Starts in the Middle of a Second Wave

Kumbh Mela, one of the biggest events awaited by people from all over the world, has begun in full swing in Uttarakhand&rsquos Haridwar as India enters the second stage of coronavirus pandemic. 

The event authorities say that they have taken several steps to ensure that the festival doesn't result in further spread of the virus. For instance, a RT-PCR negative test report is mandatory. 

Also, COVID testing kiosks have been set up at state borders, according to reports in ANI. Visitors from 12 states, namely  Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Punjab and Kerala have been asked to carry their COVID-19 negative test reports, which should be within 72 hours of their arrival in Uttarakhand. 

&ldquoPeople coming from these states as well as residents of Uttarakhand, shall strictly follow the norms of safety and social distancing as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs," said Uttarakhand CM Tirath Singh Rawat.

The previous Kumbh Mela, held in 2010, saw a footfall of more than 1.5 crore devotees and visitors.