Fact Check: Old picture from Prayagraj shared as Haridwar Kumbh Mela with Covid twist

Pictures are going viral on social media with the claim that they show massive crowds of devotees during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela at Haridwar despite Covid-19 restrictions. India Today's AFWA probes the truth.

Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings and a major pilgrimage for Hindus. This year, however, several restrictions have been introduced for the Maha Kumbh at Haridwar due to the coronavirus pandemic. Haridwar Kumbh Mela witnesses a low footfall of devotees amid a surge in COVID cases#COVID19 #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/wrGhVu67uO Amid this, a picture of a massive crowd along a riverbank is circulating on social media with the claim that it is the gathering of devotees at Haridwar despite Covid-19 restrictions. Several Twitter and Facebook users have shared the picture with a sarcastic caption saying, “Covid restrictions in kumbh Mela #KumbhMela2021”. The archived version can be seen here.