Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Pilgrims gather at River Ganga ahead of Kumbh Mela despite Covid-19 risk

Pilgrims gather at River Ganga ahead of Kumbh Mela despite Covid-19 risk

HINDU PILGRIMS flocked to the Ganges river in India on Wednesday(13), shrugging off the risk of coronavirus a day before the start of the Kumbh Mela -- a religious festival that attracts millions each time it is held.

Despite India having the second most coronavirus infections in the world -- and more than 150,000 deaths -- the virus has not stopped devout Hindus from making the pilgrimage.


"The pandemic is a bit of a worry, but we are taking all precautions," said organiser Siddharth Chakrapani, who expected between 800,000 to a million people to attend on Thursday(14) alone.

"I'm sure Maa Ganga will take care of their safety," he added, referring to the river considered holy by the faithful.

According to Hindu mythology, gods and demons fought a war over a sacred pitcher containing the nectar of immortality. Drops fell at four different locations, which now alternate as hosts for the immense gatherings.

Recognised as a cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2017, the last Kumbh Mela in Allahabad in 2019 attracted around 55 million people over 48 days.

This year, beginning Thursday, Haridwar in northern India is the host, and several million people were expected to throng the holy city in Uttarakhand state over the coming seven weeks.

Taking a dip in the Ganges is considered a sacred rite by Hindus, who come from across India and beyond its borders.

Holy men known as sadhus -- boasting outrageous dreadlocks and smoking cannabis -- are a regular feature at the Kumbh Mela, camping by the river and offering blessings to those who come for the holy immersion.

On Wednesday, its banks teemed with pilgrims and vendors while families laid out plastic sheeting for picnics.

Most were oblivious to the threat of coronavirus.

"India is not like Europe... when it comes to immunity we are better," said 50-year-old pilgrim Sanjay Sharma.

"It's really sad to see people not gathering at Kumbh in the same numbers as they would earlier -- just because of a sneeze or a cough.

This week sees several other religious festivals in India, including the Gangasagar in Kolkata where officials expect around 15,000 people.

Madurai in the southern state of Tamil Nadu is due to host a bull-chasing carnival known as Jallikattu when revellers grab hold of the beasts' horns as they run through crowds of people.

More For You

Dave Myers' Iconic Bike Auctioned for £16,000 in Heartfelt Tribute

The legacy of Dave Myers is set to continue through Dave Day

Getty Images

Hairy Biker Dave Myers' last ride sells for £16,000 at auction

The motorbike that belonged to late TV personality and Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers has sold for £15,800 in a charity auction held at the National Motorcycle Museum near Solihull. The motorcycle, a BSA Goldstar, was used in the BBC's Hairy Bikers Go West, and the proceeds from its sale will benefit two charities close to Myers’ heart – NSPCC Childline and CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria.

Lilian Myers, Dave Myers' wife, was keen to see the bike find a new home where it would be appreciated. "That bike still has his DNA on it," she said, expressing her hopes that the buyer would love it as much as her husband did. She added, "I am really, really happy to see this bike being loved, and I'm sure the person who got it will love it as much as Dave did."

Keep ReadingShow less
Shampoo containing deadly bacteria

Henkel is taking steps to ensure that no further contaminated products reach consumers

iStock

Shampoo containing deadly bacteria recalled due to risk of ‘serious infections’

More than 1,000 bottles of a popular shampoo sold in the United States have been recalled after being found to contain harmful bacteria that could lead to severe infections. The product in question, Tec Italy branded shampoo and conditioner for dry and damaged hair, has tested positive for the presence of Klebsiella oxytoca, a bacterium that can cause serious health complications.

Henkel, the company behind the Tec Italy brand, has recalled 1,068 units of the product as a result of the contamination. The recall comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Class II designation, indicating that use of the product could result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.

Keep ReadingShow less
Coca-Cola Issues Recall for 900 Cases Due to Plastic Contamination

The recall is classified as a Class II event by the FDA

iStock

Coca-Cola recalls nearly 900 cases due to plastic contamination

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, LLC, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has initiated a recall of nearly 900 cases of Coca-Cola Original Taste due to potential contamination with plastic. The recall affects 864 12-pack cases of Coca-Cola, which were distributed to retailers in Illinois and Wisconsin. The recall was announced on 6th March 2025, and is currently still in progress, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall is classified as a Class II event by the FDA, which means that while the risk of severe health consequences is considered low, consumers may still experience temporary or reversible adverse effects. Plastic contamination in beverages poses a number of risks, including the potential for choking, oral injuries, or gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed.

Keep ReadingShow less
The importance of good quality sleep

Simple changes can make you feel refreshed and energised

The importance of good quality sleep

QUALITY sleep is essential for mental and physical well-being, as well as overall quality of life.

However, in today’s fast-paced world, many struggle with insomnia and restless nights. World Sleep Day on March 14 celebrated the benefits of a healthy night’s rest, while raising much-needed awareness about an area of life that is perhaps not given enough attention.

Keep ReadingShow less