Many feared dead after stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned as the world's largest religious gathering. However, this year’s grand celebration was marred by tragedy on Wednesday when a stampede claimed the lives of at least 15 devotees and left more than 70 injured. The incident occurred as countless pilgrims gathered at the sacred site to take a pre-dawn holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, the most auspicious day of the festival.
According to reports, the stampede began in the early hours, between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., when some devotees attempted to cross barricades that had been erected to manage the massive crowds. These barricades were specifically set up to designate areas for the akharas—monastic sects of warrior sadhus—to perform their ceremonial bath. The disruption led to chaos, resulting in injuries to many devotees, who were promptly rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi mentioned that he had spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and state authorities to ensure the safety of all pilgrims attending the Kumbh Mela. He emphasized the need for "immediate support measures" and said he had reviewed the developments at the site.
Chief Minister Adityanath also addressed the incident, acknowledging the challenges posed by the sheer scale of the gathering. He stated that the local administration was actively engaged in providing assistance to the victims and maintaining order. A Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to the area to control the situation and prevent further mishaps.
The Maha Kumbh Mela holds immense spiritual significance and attracts millions of devotees from across the globe. This year’s event is particularly special, as the grand Kumbh Mela occurs only once every 144 years, coinciding with a rare celestial alignment of the sun, moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. Over 400 million people are expected to attend the 45-day-long festivities, making it the largest congregation in the event's history. On Tuesday alone, a record-breaking 100 million people were anticipated to take the holy dip.
In preparation for the massive turnout, authorities had increased security and medical personnel at the site. Despite these measures, the unprecedented crowd size presented logistical challenges, underscoring the complexities of managing such a large-scale event.
The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the need for meticulous planning and enhanced crowd control measures at events of this magnitude. As the Kumbh Mela continues, authorities are doubling their efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the millions of devotees who travel to Prayagraj to partake in this deeply spiritual experience. For many, the festival remains a profound symbol of faith and unity, even in the face of such adversity.
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