News Update: 1.30 pm
The latest reports from the ground say that the number of casualties has now risen to 17.
As of noon, as many as 4.24 crore braved the current situation to take a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya, officials said.&nbsp;
_____
On the early morning of Wednesday, January 29, 2025, a tragic stampede occurred at the sacred Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, during the highly anticipated &lsquo;Amrit Snan&rsquo; on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya. The overwhelming crowd pressure led to the collapse of barriers, triggering widespread panic and chaos among the gathered devotees. While exact figures are still being verified, initial assessments indicate that at least 15 people have lost their lives, and many others sustained injuries.
<h3>How the Tragedy Unfolded</h3>
Lakhs of devotees had gathered at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati, to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, a day considered the most auspicious for spiritual purification. The administration had put crowd control measures in place, including no-vehicular zones and designated sector-wise restrictions, but the sheer magnitude of the crowd rendered these efforts ineffective.
According to eyewitness accounts, as the influx of devotees increased in the pre-dawn hours, people began pushing towards the riverbanks, leading to a surge of pressure against the barricades. Eventually, the barriers gave way, and in the ensuing rush, many people fell and were trampled. The situation was exacerbated by confusion and fear, making it difficult for officials to restore order. Despite repeated public announcements urging devotees to clear the ghats after their dip, many struggled to exit due to the dense crowd.
<h3>Emergency Response and Casualties</h3>
As soon as the stampede was reported, emergency response teams were deployed, and ambulances rushed to the scene. The injured were immediately transported to the central hospital within the Mela grounds for urgent medical care. Medical personnel were mobilized to provide first aid and critical treatment. While authorities have not yet released an official toll, sources suggest that the number of casualties could rise as rescue operations continue.
A senior official overseeing the Mela administration stated that steps were being taken to provide medical assistance to the injured and ensure proper arrangements for the deceased.
<h3>Amrit Snan Cancelled Amid Mourning</h3>
In light of the tragic incident, spiritual leaders and saints participating in the Mahakumbh announced their decision to cancel the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya. Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri Ji Maharaj expressed deep sorrow over the event and stated that the next significant ritual bath would now take place on Basant Panchami instead. This decision reflects the somber mood prevailing at the Mahakumbh following the tragedy.
<h3>Massive Turnout Overwhelms Administration</h3>
The Mahakumbh, held every 12 years, is considered the world&rsquo;s largest religious congregation. The 2025 festival, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26, is expected to witness over 400 million pilgrims over its 45-day span. Given the spiritual significance of Mauni Amavasya, this particular bathing day was projected to draw over 10 crore devotees.
Despite the deployment of thousands of security personnel and the implementation of crowd control strategies, the sheer scale of the gathering made management difficult. Authorities had restricted vehicular movement near the Mela area and installed barriers to regulate the flow of people, but the surging crowd far exceeded expectations, ultimately leading to a breach in safety protocols.
<h3>Government&rsquo;s Response and Future Measures</h3>
Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the situation and review the relief measures being undertaken. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the barrier collapse and the lapses in crowd management to identify shortcomings and prevent such tragedies in the future.
Local administration officials have stated that additional security measures will be implemented for the remaining duration of the Mahakumbh. Reinforced barricading, restricted entry zones, and real-time crowd monitoring using drones and surveillance cameras are among the steps being taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Chief Minister&rsquo;s Appeal
Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath on Wednesday said the situation in Maha Kumbh was now under control and some devotees have been critically injured in the stampede. He also urged the people not to pay attention to rumours.
He said that around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj and there is continuous pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose.
He expressed grief over the stampede-like situation in the Maha Kumbh Mela and said all assistance was being provided and the Maha Kumbh administration was alert.
The CM said, &ldquo;A few devotees have suffered serious injuries when they tried to cross the barricading on Akhara Marg. The injured have been shifted to hospitals for medical treatment. Since Mauni Amavasya mahurat started last night, a large number of devotees have been coming in.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The situation is now under control...Snan of devotees is a priority for us,&rdquo; he said.
CM Adityanath once again appealed to the devotees not to pay attention to the rumours and to visit other ghats. &ldquo;There are large crowds at Sangam Nose, Nag Vasuki Marg and Sangam Marg. I appeal to the devotees to not pay attention to any rumours. Ghats have been made in the entire Kumbh area, devotees don&rsquo;t need to move towards Sangam nose only. Devotees should take holy dip at the ghats nearest to them.&rdquo;
PM Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the stampede incident in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh and offered condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones.
In a social media post on X, PM Modi said the local administration was engaged in helping the victims in every possible way and he was constantly in touch with the state government.
&ldquo;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. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government,&rdquo; said PM Modi in the post (in Hindi).
<h3>Past Tragedies at the Kumbh Mela</h3>
This incident has once again raised concerns over safety during mass religious gatherings. The Kumbh Mela has witnessed stampedes in the past, the most infamous being in 1954, when an overwhelming crowd surge led to the deaths of approximately 800 people, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the festival&rsquo;s history. Despite technological advancements and improved security planning, managing such vast congregations remains an ongoing challenge.
<h3>Call for Vigilance and Safety Awareness</h3>
As the Mahakumbh continues, officials are urging devotees to remain patient, follow designated entry and exit routes, and adhere to safety advisories issued by the administration. Authorities are emphasizing the need for cooperation from the public to prevent further incidents.
While the Mahakumbh remains a deeply spiritual experience for millions, this tragic stampede serves as a stark reminder of the importance of meticulous crowd management and collective responsibility in ensuring the safety of all participants.

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January 29, 2025 | 13:00 IST