Kathmandu, May 7. In the past few days, videos showing a huge rally of women carrying water pots (or, Kalash) have created waves in social media networks.

On Monday, hundreds of Hindu women gathered at Navapura, a village in the Indian state of Gujarat. They carried water-filled steel pots on their head while walking together to the Baliyadev temple. Some mens were also seen in the videos who would empty the pots from the top of the temple.

Women who participated in the procession violated all forms of pandemic norms. They neither wore face masks nor maintained social distance. Moreover, the people were seen dancing and enjoying DJ music.

But, the event was performed with the aim of “eradicating coronavirus.” The villagers believed that the coronavirus would go away if lord Baliyadev was offered plenty of water. 

Ahmedabad Police arrested at least 40 participants including Sarpanch (or, Village Chief) of four villages. They were booked under IPC section 269 (Neglectful Act likely to spread epidemic disease).

Virendra Yadav, the Superintendent of the Ahmedabad Rural Police Department said that a team has been deployed to create awareness among the villagers regarding the possible risks of such gatherings. 

Amid corona pandemic, thousands throng during a religious event in Sanand, Ahmedabad. #CoronaPandemic pic.twitter.com/4IkwbQsdGH

— Shivangi Thakur (@thakur_shivangi) May 5, 2021