After widespread criticism over the congregation of huge crowds at the Kumba Mela bathing festival in Haridwar, Indian PM Narendra Modi on Saturday appealed that the annual Kumbh Mela "should now only be symbolic" due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. He said in a tweet that he spoke to Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha president Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj over the issue of Kumbh Mela.

The Hindu annual religious gathering event attracts millions of pilgrims every year.

India is witnessing a massive spike in COVID-19 cases in recent times.

Swami Avdheshanand Giri, meanwhile, tweeted to say that he respects Modi's appeal and urged people to follow protocols amid the COVID-19 crisis.

He said people should not come in large numbers for the holy bath.

(IBNS)