By The Sampadak Express
A tragic stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj early Wednesday morning, claiming the lives of 30 people and injuring 60 others. The incident unfolded around 1-2 am, as thousands of devotees surged toward the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, the day marking the second Shahi Snan of the festival.
According to DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna, 25 victims have been identified, and efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining five. The stampede broke out as a large crowd of tightly packed devotees broke through barriers, causing a chaotic rush along the 12-km stretch of ghats set up for the Maha Kumbh.
The incident left many people injured, and some families were separated in the confusion. Authorities quickly deployed ambulances to the scene, and the injured were transported to makeshift hospitals set up in the Kumbh Mela area. In the aftermath, authorities urged devotees to vacate the area after completing their ritual bath.
PM Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “extremely sad.” In a tweet, he extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also mentioned that he had been in constant communication with the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the situation. PM Modi confirmed that bathing activities were briefly halted following the tragedy but later resumed after the situation stabilized.
Speaking at a rally in Delhi, PM Modi emphasized the tragic loss and conveyed his condolences again, acknowledging the scale of the gathering, which involves millions of devotees.
CM Yogi Adityanath Assures Public Safety
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath provided an update on the situation, confirming that the stampede was triggered when some devotees jumped over barricades. He assured the public that the situation was under control and urged people not to spread rumors. The Chief Minister also shared that the stampede occurred amid a massive crowd of up to 10 crore devotees, with nearly 6 crore taking a dip earlier that morning. Adityanath added that he had been in regular contact with Prime Minister Modi and central government officials to manage the crisis.
Amrit Snan to Proceed on Smaller Scale
In the wake of the tragedy, the Akharas (monastic orders) initially announced the cancellation of the Amrit Snan for the day. However, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Ravindra Puri later clarified that the ritual would take place on a smaller scale once the crowds thinned. Puri also emphasized that misinformation had contributed to the stampede, urging devotees to follow official guidelines and avoid heading to the Sangam.
Devotees Urged to Avoid Sangam, Follow Instructions
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to the public to take their holy dip at the nearest ghats and avoid the Sangam area where the stampede occurred. He reiterated the importance of following the administration’s instructions and disregarding rumors. The government has made several ghats available for the holy bath to prevent further overcrowding.
Mauni Amavasya’s Spiritual Significance
Mauni Amavasya is considered the most auspicious day for a holy dip at the Ganga, with over 10 crore devotees expected to participate. This year, the day holds even greater significance due to a rare celestial event, the ‘Triveni Yog,’ occurring for the first time in 144 years. The alignment has amplified the spiritual importance of the day for pilgrims.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26, draws millions of devotees from around the world. The Uttar Pradesh government expects a total of 40 crore pilgrims to attend the gathering, the largest spiritual congregation globally. Authorities had implemented stringent crowd control measures, including no-vehicular zones and sector-wise restrictions, to ensure the safety and smooth movement of devotees.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in managing large crowds at major religious events.
