In Pics | Devotees gather in large numbers for Kumbh Mela as COVID cases surge in India

Tens of thousands of Hindu devotees gathered by the Ganges river for special prayers, many of them flouting social distancing practices as the coronavirus spreads in India with record speed. Take a look at the pictures:

Devotees gather to take a holy dip in the waters of the river Ganges during Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. (Image: Reuters)

Devotees take holy dips in the Ganges river during Kumbh Mela, or pitcher festival, one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism, in Haridwar. (Image: AP)

A Naga Sadhu rubs ash as he prepares to take holy dips in the river Ganges during Shahi Snan or a royal bath during Kumbh Mela, in Haridwar (Image: AP)

A Naga Sadhu smokes before taking a holy dip in the river Ganges. The faithful believe that a dip in the waters of Ganga will absolve them of their sins and deliver them from the cycle of birth and death. (Image: AP)

Devotees stand behind barricades as they wait for Naga Sadhus to arrive for Shahi Snan or a royal bath during Kumbh Mela, in Haridwar. (Image: AP)

As states across India are declaring partial lockdowns to battle rising COVID-19 cases, thousands of pilgrims gathered on the banks of the river Ganga for the Hindu festival Kumbh Mela. (Image: AP)

Devotees take holy dips in the Ganges river during Kumbh Mela. (Image: AP)