At least 30 people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede at a ghat during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, at around 1.30 am on Wednesday.
The incident took place when the Amritsnan (bathing) ceremony was being held on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Eyewitnesses say that suddenly a mob broke the traffic barrier and attacked the people sitting on the ghat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also admitted to killing people in a post on his account on X.PM Modi has written that the accident that took place in Prayagraj Mahakumbh is very sad.
My heartfelt condolences to the devotees who have lost their family members in this. Along with this, I wish all the injured to recover at the earliest. The local administration is engaged in providing all possible help to the victims. I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji in this regard and I am in constant touch with the state government.
PM Narendra MOdi
Eyewitnesses state that the stampede was triggered by overcrowding at the bathing site. The sudden push and shove of devotees trying to reach the sacred confluence led to the tragic event. Reports suggest that barricades collapsed under the immense crowd pressure, exacerbating the situation.
In light of the incident, Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of Akhil Bharatiya Parishad, announced the cancellation of the Mauni Amavasya Snan. The decision was made in the public interest, prioritizing safety over rituals.
CM Yogi Adityanath reported that approximately three crore people participated in the bathing ritual. He also warned against the spread of misinformation and emphasized that the situation is under control.
Authorities have repeatedly requested devotees to adhere to safety protocols. DIG Vaibhav Krishna of Kumbh Mela urged attendees to avoid overcrowding at the Sangam Ghat and opt for alternative ghats for their ritual baths.
The Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. The administration had estimated that around 8 to 10 crore devotees would be present for the Amritsnan on Mauni Amavasya. So far, two Amritsnan rituals have been completed, with four more scheduled in February.
To manage the influx of pilgrims, authorities have set up seven primary entry routes and over 100 parking spaces near the fairgrounds. Additionally, hundreds of special railway trains and nearly 7,000 buses have been deployed to transport devotees. To facilitate movement, 30 pontoon bridges have been built, each named for easy identification.
The Kumbh Mela takes place at the Triveni Sangam, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge. The sacred confluence is considered highly auspicious, drawing millions of devotees seeking spiritual purification through holy dips.
The fairground is dotted with numerous akhadas, where sadhus and saints have set up their camps. Among them, Naga Sadhus, covered in ash and adorned with rudraksha beads, attract significant attention. Despite the cold weather, these ascetics sit outside their tents, blessing devotees who seek their guidance.
Officials urge pilgrims to cooperate with security personnel and follow official guidelines to prevent further mishaps. The government has reiterated the importance of dispersing crowds efficiently and using alternative bathing spots.