Maraaz 
Hundreds of thousands of Hindu started their pilgrimage, ignoring the coronavirus. Hundreds of thousands of Hindus descended on the banks of the Ganges to start the Kumbh Mela Festival, the world’s largest religious organization. Approximately one million people are expected to attend this year’s pilgrimage, which is held every 12 years. However, it was seen that the pilgrims participating in the event that started today disregard the masks and social distance measures, thinking that their beliefs will protect them from Covid-19. However, India is the second worst affected country after the USA, with more than 10 million cases and 155 thousand deaths.
Hundreds of thousands of Hindus in India landed on the banks of the Ganges to begin their pilgrimage, considered sacred. It was seen that pilgrims, aged between 3 and 90, disregard social distance and masks.
According to the Wordometers website, India ranks second in the world after the USA with 10 million 512 thousand cases and third after the USA and Brazil with more than 151 thousand Covid-19 deaths.
Despite the photos reflected in the international press, Siddharth Chakrapani, the organizer of the pilgrimage, said, “The pandemic is a little worrying, but we are taking all the precautions. I am sure Maa Ganga (Mother Ganga) will ensure their safety.”
Ganga, which gave its name to the Ganges River, is considered a sacred goddess in Hindu mythology. Believing that the Ganges river is identified with the Ganga, Hindus believe that bathing in the river causes alleviation of sins and facilitates the Moksha (liberation from the cycle of life and death). However, Hindus worship him, who believe that the Ganges water is as sacred as the Goddess Ganga.
However, the Kumb Fela pilgrimage takes place at four points. According to Hindu mythology, gods and demons fought for a sacred jug containing the nectar of immortality and. The drops fell on the Ganges River, Uttarakhand, Godavari and Prayag, now home to enormous crowds.
However, those who attend the Kumbh Mela also camp on the edge of the Gnaj River and offer food to those who come before the holy dive. On Wednesday, the banks of the river are filled with pilgrims and vendors, while families take turns diving into the river, leaving their belongings in areas with no hygiene measures.
However, pilgrims are not worried about the corona virus. Stating that he came for the pilgrimage, 50-year-old Sanjay Sharma said, “India is not like Europe. We are better when it comes to immunity. It is a pity that this place is not as crowded as before, only because of sneezing and coughing. It is the biggest real death on earth. What is the meaning of living in fear?” said.
