Prayagraj was plunged into chaos early this morning as a stampede broke out at the Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering. The incident, which occurred around 1 AM near the Sangam where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers converge left several people feared dead and over 30 injured as lakhs of devotees gathered for the sacred Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days of the six-week festival.
Visuals from the scene captured the aftermath piles of clothes, shoes, and bags scattered across the ground, abandoned as panicked devotees struggled to escape the stampede. Some were seen climbing barriers, while others pushed their way through pontoons in an attempt to flee. The sheer volume of the crowd intensified the crisis, with many stepping over discarded belongings as they scrambled for safety.
How the Stampede Unfolded
The disaster struck between 1 AM and 2 AM at Akhara Marg, where large groups of devotees attempted to breach barricades, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath revealed.
“Some devotees crossed over the barricades and were critically injured. They were immediately rushed to hospitals, where medical teams ensured prompt treatment,” he stated after holding an emergency meeting in Lucknow.
The Chief Minister assured that the situation in Prayagraj is now “under control,” but cautioned that crowd pressure remains high. He urged devotees to take a dip at nearby ghats instead of pushing toward the Sangam Nose.
PM Modi Expresses Grief, Promises Full Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as “extremely saddening.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he extended his condolences to those who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
“I have been in constant touch with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The local administration is providing all possible assistance to the victims,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister JP Nadda have also been closely monitoring the situation.
Held once every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh is considered the world’s largest spiritual congregation. The ongoing festival, which began on January 13 and runs until February 26, has already witnessed nearly 20 crore pilgrims taking a dip, with officials estimating a total footfall of 40 crore by its conclusion.
The Sangam holds immense religious significance for Hindus, with the belief that bathing in its waters during Maha Kumbh especially on key dates like Mauni Amavasya washes away sins and grants moksha (liberation).
Despite the tragedy, officials insist that the situation is under control and that security measures are being reinforced to prevent further incidents.
