Kumbh Mela should now only be symbolic! – PM Modi

• PM Modi’s appeal to Sadhus and Saints regarding Kumbh Mela
• Discusses the issue with Swami Avadheshanand Giri over phone

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, said that the ongoing Kumbh Mela should now only be symbolic in view of the surging coronavirus cases in the Maha Kumbh Mela. PM tweeted that he spoke to Swami Avdheshanand Giri over the phone.

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 a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Today I spoke with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Pujya Swami Avadheshanand over the phone and checked on the health of the Saints. All the Saints are co-operating with the administration and I wholeheartedly thank them for it. I appealed that two ‘shahi snan’ (royal baths) have taken place, so now Kumbh should be symbolic. This will give a boost to the fight against Covid-19 crisis.”

More than 70 Sadhus infected with Covid

Of all the Kumbh participants, 70 Sadhus have been detected Covid positive so far. Large numbers of Sadhus are being tested daily. 17 Sadhus belonging to Niranjani Akhada are infected and hence, the Akhada has appealed to conclude Kumbh Mela on 17th April. One of the top seers, Mahamandaleshwar Kapil Dev Das (Age 65) of the Nirvani Aakhada passed away due to Covid-19 complications.

Swami Avadheshanand’s appeal

माननीय प्रधानमंत्री जी के आह्वान का हम सम्मान करते हैं ! जीवन की रक्षा महत पुण्य है।मेरा धर्म परायण जनता से आग्रह है कि कोविड की परिस्थितियों को देखते हुए भारी संख्या में स्नान के लिए न आएँ एवं नियमों का निर्वहन करें ! @narendramodi @AmitShah @TIRATHSRAWAT #KumbhMela2021 #कुम्भ https://t.co/dNjPPnDztQ

— Swami Avdheshanand (@AvdheshanandG) April 17, 2021

Responding to PM Modi’s tweet, Swami Avdheshanand replied in Hindi: “We respect PM Modi’s appeal. Saving lives is sacred. I request all the religious people to not gather for the ritual bath in large numbers and follow all Covid protocols.”