Prayagraj, India – January 29, 2025
A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, claimed the lives of more than seven people and left around ten others injured in the early hours of Wednesday, according to an official who wished to remain anonymous. The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered for a sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Chaos at the Holy Site
Drone footage captured a sea of worshippers arriving before dawn at the temporary township set up for the festival. The stampede reportedly began around 1 a.m. local time when a sudden surge of devotees led to a crush near the riverbank. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with people falling over one another as the crowd pushed forward.
“We had barricades in front of us and police with batons on the other side. The push from behind was intense, and people started collapsing,” said Vijay Kumar, a pilgrim from Patna. A grieving woman, whose mother was trampled in the stampede, recalled the horror: “People kept stepping on us. I am safe, but my mother has died.”
Rescue and Government Response
Authorities swiftly deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to manage the situation and provide medical assistance. Dozens of ambulances rushed to the site, carrying the injured to nearby hospitals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, instructing officials to expedite relief efforts and restore order.
Adityanath urged devotees to follow instructions and avoid overcrowding the confluence area. “Please take your holy dip at the nearest riverbank and cooperate with the administration,” he posted on social media. Despite the tragedy, devotees continued performing rituals across different sections of the festival grounds.
Massive Crowds and Safety Concerns
The Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, had already drawn nearly 200 million attendees in just two weeks. Organizers anticipated a record turnout of 100 million for Wednesday’s auspicious bathing day, which coincided with a rare celestial alignment occurring once in 144 years.
Security measures, including AI-powered crowd management systems and increased medical personnel, had been implemented. However, the sheer volume of people made crowd control challenging. This incident echoes a similar tragedy in 2013 when a stampede at the festival killed at least 36 pilgrims.
Political Reactions and Criticism
The opposition Congress Party leader, Mallikarjun Kharge, criticized the government, blaming the disaster on “poor planning, VIP movement, and mismanagement.” He urged authorities to improve safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
Despite the stampede, the ‘royal bath’ resumed after a temporary halt. High-profile attendees, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, business tycoon Gautam Adani, and international celebrities like Coldplay’s Chris Martin and actress Dakota Johnson, had arrived for the event. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to visit next month.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of millions still expected to participate in the remaining weeks of the festival.
