Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: A stampede-like incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Mahakumbh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people and left many others injured. The mishap occurred during the Mauni Amavasya holy dip at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday near the crowded Sangam area when a barrier collapsed, triggering panic among thousands of pilgrims who had gathered for the ritual bath. “At least 15 people have died for now, and many others are being treated,” a doctor at the festival site, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed to journalists. The incident took place despite the extensive security measures in place, including the use of drones, AI, and hundreds of cameras to monitor crowds.
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A Moment of Devastation
The stampede occurred between 1 am and 2 am, as crowds of devotees, many of whom had traveled long distances, made their way to the riverbanks for the Amrit Snan, a key ritual during the Kumbh Mela. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed that the incident took place near the Akhara Marg, where some pilgrims reportedly climbed over the barricades, leading to a fatal surge of people. He also stated that some of the injured were in critical condition and were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals.
“We are yet to have the exact count of those injured, but the situation is under control,” said Akanksha Rana, the Officer on Special Duty for the Mela. “The injured are receiving prompt medical care.”
Rescue operations were swiftly launched as victims were carried away from the accident site, which was littered with discarded shoes, clothes, and other belongings. Volunteers and security personnel were seen working tirelessly to transport the injured to a temporary hospital set up at the festival grounds, just a kilometer away from the accident site.
Eyewitness Accounts of Chaos
Sarojini, a devotee from Karnataka, recounted the terrifying moment of the stampede. “We were in a group of 60 people, and suddenly the crowd began to push. There was no escape, and many of us were trampled underfoot,” she said, breaking down outside the hospital. “The chaos was unimaginable. People were falling everywhere.”
Others, like Malti Pandey, who was on their way to bathe in the holy waters, described being caught in the crush. “A crowd started pushing suddenly, and many people were crushed. It was terrifying,” said Pandey.
Prime Minister Modi and CM Adityanath Offer Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, calling the incident “extremely saddening.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he assured the public that the local administration in Prayagraj was providing all possible support to the victims and urged a speedy recovery for the injured. Modi also stated that he was continuously monitoring the situation and had spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath several times.
Chief Minister Adityanath, who had convened a high-level meeting to assess the situation, appealed to devotees to avoid going towards the Sangam area, urging them to bathe at alternative ghats. “Please cooperate with the administration and avoid going to Sangam,” he posted on X, asking devotees to follow the instructions of the security personnel and ensure public safety.
A Sacred Day Turned Tragic
Wednesday marked Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days of the Maha Kumbh, during which millions of devotees had gathered for the ‘Amrit Snan’ to wash away their sins and seek salvation. The event gained even more significance this year due to the rare celestial alignment of ‘Triveni Yog,’ which occurs once every 144 years.
The Triveni Sangam, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers converge, holds immense spiritual importance. Pilgrims believe that bathing here during the Kumbh Mela, especially on auspicious days like Mauni Amavasya, grants them liberation and spiritual purity.
In the wake of the tragedy, authorities have been working to manage crowds and ensure safety. They had previously issued an advisory encouraging devotees to follow crowd-management guidelines, avoid overcrowding, and use designated pathways to prevent accidents. However, the unforeseen collapse of the barriers resulted in a devastating outcome.
Ongoing Efforts to Address the Situation
Authorities are continuing their efforts to ensure the safety of the remaining pilgrims. Police and rescue teams are on high alert, while officials are urging devotees to remain calm and avoid panic. Those injured in the incident have been transferred to a central hospital set up for the Mela, where medical teams are working around the clock.
As the aftermath of the tragedy unfolds, the focus now shifts to providing support to the families affected by the incident and preventing further casualties during the remaining days of the festival. The Maha Kumbh Mela is set to continue, but with heightened safety measures in place as officials reassess crowd control strategies in the wake of the stampede.
