A deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh gathering in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of 30 people early this morning, according to the police chief overseeing security at the large-scale religious event. Vaibhav Krishna, the police officer in charge, confirmed that 25 victims have been identified, while 60 others sustained injuries, with many being hospitalized.
The tragic toll was revealed hours after local reports and social media posts from residents of Prayagraj first began circulating news of the fatalities, although initial figures varied.
Maha Kumbh Stampede: Incident Details
The stampede took place around 2 am amid an overwhelming crowd gathered at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Witnesses reported chaotic scenes as devotees, desperate to bathe in the sacred waters, pushed through security barricades. The 12-km-long riverbank stretch, packed with pilgrims, soon turned into a site of distress, with many families getting separated in the commotion.
Emergency services, including ambulances, were rushed to the scene. The injured were transported to a makeshift hospital within the Kumbh Mela grounds, as authorities urged devotees to vacate the area after taking their holy dip.
PM Modi Expresses Condolences, Assures Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident, calling it “extremely sad.”
Emergency services, including ambulances, were rushed to the scene. (Photo: Social Media)
“The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way,” PM Modi tweeted.
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During a rally in Delhi, he reiterated his condolences and assured that he was in constant touch with the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the situation.
Yogi Adityanath Says Situation Under Control
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed that the situation was under control, attributing the incident to devotees breaching barricades.
“There is a huge crowd in Kumbh. Eight to ten crore devotees are present. Nearly six crore devotees came yesterday and took a holy dip at the Sangam. The incident occurred between 1 am and 2 am. The seers will proceed with the Amrit Snan once the crowd reduces,” he stated during a press conference.
CM Adityanath also assured that Prime Minister Modi had been in constant communication, speaking to him four times since the incident occurred.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister JP Nadda also reached out to Adityanath, offering central government assistance.
Amrit Snan to Proceed on a Small Scale
Following the tragedy, the Akharas (monastic orders) initially announced the cancellation of the Amrit Snan for the day. However, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Ravindra Puri later confirmed that the ceremonial bath would proceed on a smaller scale once the crowds dissipated.
“Crores of people came in the morning. We tried to postpone the morning bath today. But now the crowd has reduced. The places where we had to take the holy dip are being cleared. We will take a holy dip. There will be a procession of all the Akharas. It will not be a big procession, but a rally will take place on a small scale,” he said.
Puri also addressed concerns about misinformation being spread to create panic, urging devotees to remain calm and take their dip at any nearby ghat rather than rushing towards the Sangam.
Significance of Mauni Amavasya at Maha Kumbh
Mauni Amavasya is considered the most auspicious day for taking a holy dip in the Ganga. This year, the event holds even greater spiritual significance due to a rare celestial alignment called ‘Triveni Yog,’ occurring after 144 years. Over 10 crore devotees were expected to visit Prayagraj for the occasion.
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To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh government had imposed stringent crowd control measures, including no-vehicular zones and sector-wise restrictions. However, despite these precautions, the tragic stampede unfolded in the early hours of the day.
Maha Kumbh 2025: The World’s Largest Spiritual Gathering
The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, commenced on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The Uttar Pradesh government anticipates a total footfall of around 40 crore pilgrims, making it the largest spiritual congregation on the planet.
Authorities are now working to prevent further mishaps, urging devotees to adhere to safety guidelines and cooperate with security personnel. Meanwhile, families of the deceased and injured await further updates as officials continue their investigations into the cause of the stampede.
