After Kumbh Mela visit, Nepal’s former King Gyanendra tests COVID-19 positive

Gyanendra reached Haridwar on April 11 and met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Kailashananda Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara and interacted with a large number of sadhus and pilgrims.

Nepal’s former royals, Queen Komal Rajya Lakshmi Devi and King Gyanendra, have tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Confirmation of their status came days after the couple returned from India where they participated in the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. Gyanendra reached Haridwar on April 11 and met Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Kailashananda Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara during the visit and interacted with a large number of sadhus and pilgrims. He was formally felicitated by the religious figures in an event where he was hailed as the “Hindu samrat”. At the event, Gyanendra was seen interacting with seers without a mask. He was subsequently criticised for attending the public ceremony without COVID-19 protocol. He also participated and led the procession of the Niranjani Akhara on April 12 during the Shahi Snan of the Kumbh Mela.