A stampede broke out early this morning at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, leading to discarded clothes, shoes, and bags scattered on the ground. Tragically, several people were killed, and over 30 others sustained injuries.
Fatalities and Injuries
The incident took place around 1 a.m. during the Amrit Snan, a sacred dip at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. Devotees had gathered to observe Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days of the six-week event.
Scene of Chaos
Footage from the scene revealed piles of belongings strewn across the ground. Many people were seen stepping over these items while attempting to escape the crush. Additionally, some climbed barriers and rushed through pontoons in a desperate bid to get away from the stampede.
Details of the Stampede
The stampede occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. at Akhara Marg, when some devotees tried to climb over barricades. According to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, several people were critically injured. He explained, “They were quickly taken to hospitals where treatment was promptly ensured.” Despite this, he reassured that the situation was “under control,” though crowd pressure remained high.
Authorities Respond
In light of the situation, Adityanath urged people to bathe at nearby ghats instead of trying to reach the Sangam. Furthermore, he shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Union Health Minister JP Nadda had been in constant contact with him, monitoring the situation closely.
PM Modi’s Condolences
Prime Minister Modi expressed his deepest condolences to the victims’ families. He described the incident as “extremely saddening” and reassured the public that local authorities were offering all possible assistance. He also wished the injured a speedy recovery and confirmed that he was in regular contact with Chief Minister Adityanath.
प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में हुआ हादसा अत्यंत दुखद है। इसमें जिन श्रद्धालुओं ने अपने परिजनों को खोया है, उनके प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं। इसके साथ ही मैं सभी घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं। स्थानीय प्रशासन पीड़ितों की हरसंभव मदद में जुटा हुआ है। इस सिलसिले में मैंने…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2025
Mahakumbh: A Sacred Gathering
The Mahakumbh Mela, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The Sangam is regarded as the holiest site in Hinduism, with devotees believing that a dip there can wash away sins and lead to salvation. So far, nearly 20 crore people have bathed, and officials expect a total of around 40 crore devotees by the end of the event.