Prayagraj: At least 15 people are feared dead after a "stampede-like" situation broke out at the Sangam during Maha Kumbh 2025 in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday. Notably, the tragic incident took place on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya when around 8-10 crore people are expected to take a holy dip at Maha Kumbh today.
Several people were also injured in the stampede-like situation which occurred at around 2 am. However, the situation was brought under control by authorities. The injured were taken to hospitals for treatment. The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh.
Latest developments - 10 Points:
- As per tradition of the Kumbh Mela, Akharas belonging to the three sects 'Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen' take the holy dip in a set sequence. After the incident, Akharas called off the Amrit Snan.
- However, the President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri, later said that the Akharas will resume their 'snan'.
"Our snan was postponed in the morning after a massive crowd gathered at the ghats. We tried to postpone our snan. Now that the crowd has reduced and the ghats meant for our snan are being vacated, so it seems that all Akharas will be able to do snan today... We all, our all Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Naga Sadhus and devotees will take a holy dip today," Puri told ANI.
- Puri said that the situation in Maha Kumbh is getting under control following the stampede on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'.Speaking to IANS, Puri said, "It is an unfortunate incident; no one is at fault. It was such a large crowd. We also had called on everyone to come to Maha Kumbh, the government had also called on everyone. We wanted this to be a memorable Maha Kumbh. However, maybe it was not in our destiny."
- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees attending the Maha Kumbh 2025 to follow instructions issued by the administration. "Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj, dear devotees, Please take your holy bath at the ghat nearest to you, and do not attempt to go towards the Sangam Nose. Kindly follow all the instructions given by the administration and cooperate in maintaining order," Yogi Adityanath wrote in his 'X' post. He also noted that a bath is taking place at all the ghats of the Sangam. "Do not pay any attention to rumours," the CM added.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken cognizance of the incident and is monitoring the situation closely. PM Modi called CM Yogi four times after the incident. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also called the UP CM to take stock of the situation. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about the stampede-like situation at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
- After the incident, a meeting of top officials was held at Yogi Adityanath's residence.
- On Tuesday, in view of the anticipated influx of devotees, the Mela authorities issued an advisory urging devotees to follow crowd-management guidelines for safety and convenience. Pilgrims were asked to use designated lanes to reach Sangam Ghat, stay in their lanes while approaching the bathing area, and avoid lingering at ghats after the holy dip.
- The Opposition, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP-led government at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh for the tragedy.
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the news of "many people losing their lives" and many people getting injured due to the stampede on the banks of the Tirthraj Sangam during the Maha Kumbh is extremely heartbreaking. "Our deepest condolences to the families of the devotees and we wish for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said. "Half-baked arrangements, VIP movement, paying more attention to self-promotion and mismanagement are responsible for this. Such arrangements despite spending thousands of crores of rupees are condemnable," the Congress chief said in a post in Hindi on X.
- SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that the stampede-lek situation was caused due to "mismanagement". "The news of casualties of devotees in an accident caused by mismanagement in Maha Kumbh is extremely sad," Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X.
The Triveni Sangam -- a confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati -- is considered the holiest by Hindus. It is believed that taking a dip in the Sangam during Maha Kumbh on particular dates, including Mauni Amavasya, provides salvation.
(With inputs from agencies)
