COVID-19 casts an unseen shadow over the Haridwar Kumbh Mela

Even with fewer numbers, SOP is conspicuous by its absence in this large congregation of humanity

Holding a pitcher in hand, Aniruddh Pandey, a priest outside the Ganga temple at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, put his finger on one-third of the vessel’s body. “This is the size of the Kumbh Mela and our work this year. It is only about sipahi (security staff), safai karmachari (sanitary worker) and sadhu (hermit),” he said sheepishly, bringing out a mask from his pocket when it’s absence is pointed out. A few metres away, barbers shave the heads of the bereaved with not even one gaz (square yard) of doori (distance). “What to do, we have to make ends meet?” said Tushar Thakur. “During the lockdown, we decided that only 10 younger barbers would sit at Har Ki Pauri and they share their income with the rest of the community,” he said.