Several million Hindus took bath in the Ganges river on April 12 despite reports of a deadly second COVID-19 wave afflicting India.

The devotees bathed to mark the religious festival of Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, which is only marked in the city every 12 years.

Official estimates claim that more than two million people had taken the dip by midday, and social distancing measures have been difficult to implement.

Inspector General of Police Sanjay Gunjyal said a "stampede-like situation" could arise if the police tried to enforce social distancing on the river banks.

Several million Hindus took bath in the Ganges river on April 12 in the middle of a deadly second Covid-19 wave. The devotees marked an auspicious bathing day at the Kumbh Mela religious festival in Haridwar city in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. The Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years.

Hindus believe the river is holy and bathing in it during Kumbh Mela will cleanse them of their sins and bring salvation. Officials said by noon more than 2.1 million devotees had bathed in the river, with many more expected to follow suit. April 12 marks the biggest bathing day during the two-month-long festival.

India is seeing a sharp rise in the number of coronavirus infections. On April 12, India logged more than 168,000 new cases, overtaking Brazil to become the country with the second-highest number of cases globally.

Officials said it would be impossible to impose safety norms due to huge crowds.

Inspector general of police Sanjay Gunjyal said a "stampede-like situation" could arise if the police tried to enforce social distancing on the river banks.