Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the ongoing Kumbh in Haridwar should now have symbolic participation

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the ongoing Kumbh in Haridwar should now have symbolic participation due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Modi tweeted that he spoke to Swami Avdheshanand Giri of Juna Akhara over telephone and enquired about the health of saints, many of whom have contracted the infection, and also conveyed his appreciation for their cooperation with the local administration.

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2021

"I prayed that two 'shahi snan' have taken place and Kumbh (participation) should now be kept symbolic. This will boost the fight against this crisis," the prime minister tweeted in Hindi.

The ongoing Kumbh, which has seen people from different parts of the country attending the auspicious event in large numbers, has drawn flak from various quarters as the number of Covid-19 cases has zoomed at a rapid pace in the past few weeks. The event has also reported the coronavirus cases in large numbers.