India’s new coronavirus infections hit a new record, as crowds of pilgrims gathered for a religious festival despite oxygen shortages and strict curbs in other areas, Reuters reported.

The country reported 184,372 cases in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed, taking total infections to 13.9 million. Deaths rose by 1,027, to a toll of 172,085.

Still, hundreds of thousands of devout Hindus gathered to bathe in the Ganges river on the third key day of the weeks-long Kumbh Mela — or Pitcher Festival.

Devotees gather for evening prayer on the banks of the Ganges river during Kumbh Mela, or the Pitcher Festival in Haridwar, India, April 13. — Reuters
Devotees gather for evening prayer on the banks of the Ganges river during Kumbh Mela, or the Pitcher Festival in Haridwar, India, April 13. — Reuters

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