Covid-19 pandemic in Haridwar: Tell-tale signs of Kumbh as super spreader

The Kumbh Mela — held between April 1 and April 30 — was attended by roughly 3.5 million people; earlier around one million pilgrims were expected each day. The count of pilgrims increased significantly during the days of shahi snan or royal bath, which was held on April 12, 14 and 27. Haridwar recorded only 149 daily Covid-19 cases on April 1, but on April 23, the figure jumped to 1,115. Between April 23 and April 30, more than a thousand Covid cases were reported daily.

Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Tirath Singh Rawat, on April 13, justified the event, saying the