Nearly a million Hindu pilgrims descended on the banks of the Ganges river on the first day of the Kumbh Mela despite the raging COVID-19 pandemic, January 14, 2021. /VCG

COVID-19 poses certain threats, but all the precautions are in place, claimed organizer Siddharth Chakrapani. /VCG

"I am sure Maa Ganga [Mother Ganges] will take care of their safety," said Chakrapani, seeking divine protection from the holy river. /VCG

The seven-week festival lasts until April 27, with millions more expected to show up in the coming weeks. /VCG

With over 10 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, India has the second-highest number of coronavirus infections in the world. /VCG