Lately in India, joyous gatherings—religious festivals, fairs, or victory parades—have too often ended in tragedy. Stampedes, fuelled by overcrowding and poor crowd control, are becoming disturbingly frequent. Each incident leaves behind grief, unanswered questions, and shattered families. These tragedies are stark reminders that public safety can’t be an afterthought. As India continues to host massive celebrations, urgent action is needed to prevent more lives from being lost. Take a look at some of the deadliest stampedes that shook the nation in recent times.
Timeline of Recent Stampedes and Their Casualties
January 29, 2025 – Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj
At least 30 people were killed and over 60 injured in a stampede during the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, with reports of fatalities varying widely and some sources claiming the death toll could be much higher.
May 3, 2025 – Lairai Devi Jatra, Shirgaon, Goa
At least six people died and over 50 were injured after a stampede broke out during the annual Lairai Devi temple festival procession.
June 4, 2025 – RCB Victory Celebration, Bengaluru
At least 11 people were killed in a stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as crowds gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory.
June 29, 2025 – Puri Gundicha Temple, Odisha
At least three people died in a crowd crush early Sunday morning at the Gundicha temple during the annual Rath Yatra festival.