Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Stampede in Prayagraj Claims Multiple Lives Tragically
In the early hours of Wednesday, January 29, 2025, a devastating stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. The incident occurred as tens and thousands of devotees converged at the Triveni Sangam ghat in Prayagraj—the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers—to take ‘Amrit snan’ ( holy dip) on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
A high-ranking state official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the incident resulted in the deaths of over seven individuals and injuries to approximately ten others. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with piles of clothes, scattered shoes, and personal belongings strewn across the area, underscoring the pandemonium that ensued.
Following this tragic incident at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, ahead of the Mauni Amavasya Snan, rescue operations were immediately initiated.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees to avoid the main bathing site to prevent further incidents. He emphasized the importance of safety and requested pilgrims to consider alternative locations for their rituals. He also asked people to not pay attention to rumors.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had three separate phone calls with Yogi Adityanath within an hour to assess the situation. He stated that religious leaders from various Akharas have respectfully requested that devotees prioritize taking their holy dip, and the Akharas will proceed with their dips once the crowd density subsides. Chief Minister Yogi informed ANI that the situation in Prayagraj is currently under control, although the number of pilgrims remains very high. Meanwhile, Akharas have begun taking a holy dip after calling off the Amrit Snan for January 29 due to a stampede incident.
Despite extensive security measures, including the deployment of 50,000 personnel and over 2,500 surveillance cameras, the sheer volume of attendees poses significant challenges.
The Maha Kumbh Mela stampede incident adds to a series of tragic events that have marred large religious gatherings in India over the years, highlighting ongoing concerns about crowd management and infrastructure adequacy during such massive events.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the causes of the stampede and have assured the public that measures will be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future.
1 thought on “Maha Kumbh Mela Stampede in Prayagraj Claims Multiple Lives Tragically”