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 wish...