DW
Hundreds of thousands of devotees have congregated on the banks of the Ganges to mark Makar Sankranti, amid soaring COVID-19 infections.
Hundreds of thousands of Hindu worshippers have continued to observe the Makar Sankranti festival, as India experiences a surge in new infections.
Each year on January 14, Hindu pilgrims gather on the banks of the Ganges to bathe in its chilly waters. It’s believed the holy river’s waters cleanse followers of sin.
Makar Sankranti events proceed
Authorities are concerned that the gatherings could turn into so-called “super-spreader” events. Despite these concerns, events have proceeded.
One local official told the AFP news agency that people had begun to gather since sunrise…