In Prayagraj, northern India, a devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela has resulted in at least 30 fatalities and over 60 injuries. The incident occurred in the early hours as millions of Hindu devotees gathered for a ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, considered the most auspicious moment of the six-week festival.
Witnesses describe chaotic scenes as the massive crowd surged towards the riverbanks. An initial minor stampede around 1 a.m. escalated when devotees, attempting to escape, found exit routes closed, leading to further panic and trampling. Drone footage captured the enormity of the gathering, with millions arriving in the pre-dawn darkness. Subsequent images showed bodies being carried away on stretchers and distressed individuals amidst abandoned belongings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and has called for immediate support measures. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to pilgrims to utilize nearby riverbanks for the holy dip to prevent further overcrowding at the main site. In response to the incident, authorities canceled the planned ‘royal bath’ and have intensified security and medical provisions to manage the vast crowds.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is renowned as the world’s largest religious gathering, with expectations of over 400 million attendees over its 45-day duration. Despite extensive preparations, including the establishment of a temporary township with enhanced security and medical facilities, the sheer scale of the event poses significant challenges. This tragedy underscores the critical importance of effective crowd management and safety protocols in large-scale religious events.
