Prayagraj: A devastating stampede occurred at approximately 2:30 am because of the massive crowd on January 29, at the Triveni Sangam to mark 'Mauni Amavasya' during the Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj
A bird's-eye view video depicted an immense assembly of devotees, vibrant with color, along the ghat area, while showcasing a more concentrated crowd at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Sadly, the stampede resulted in the deaths of at least 15 individuals, prompting many devotees to leave without partaking in the 'amrit snan' (holy dip).
In response to the chaos and the tragic aftermath, several akharas, including the Juna Akhara, announced they would forgo the 'snan' for safety concerns.
Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri remarked that given the alarming situation, they decided to cancel their participation. A seer from the Panchayati Mahanirvani also indicated that conditions were not suitable for the ritual due to the enormous crowd.
To manage the unfolding crisis, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees to refrain from heading to the Sangam Nose and instead use alternative bathing ghats designed for safety during this significant occasion. Rescue operations were ongoing at the Sangam Nose to address the situation.
