Kumbh Mela 2021 Begins In Haridwar Braving Pandemic

Marking the beginning of the world's largest religious congregation, Kumbh Mela, devotees on January 14 took a holy dip in the Ganges river in Haridwar. "The pandemic is a bit of a worry, but we are taking all precautions," said organizer Siddharth Chakrapani, adding that over a million devotees are expected on the first day itself. Recognized by the UNESCO, Kumbh Mela had witnessed around 55 million people in its last edition in Allahabad (2019).