Published 08:05 IST, January 29th 2025

Mauni Amavasya, Huge Crowd: How Stampede Broke Out at Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya

Over 30 devotees are injured and several are feared dead after a stampede broke out at Maha Kumbh; how did it happen, what led to the tragedy - what we know.

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What Led to Stampede-Like Situation at Maha Kumbh?
What Led to Stampede-Like Situation at Maha Kumbh? | Image: Republic

Maha Kumbh Nagar: The overcrowded land of Prayagraj witnessed an even more massive rush on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, for the ‘Amrit Snan’ today. The crowd resulted in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh causing severe injuries to a lot of devotees; many casualties are also feared. Read to know what led to the stampede at Maha Kumbh 2025…

What Led to a Stampede at Maha Kumbh?

A stampede broke out at Maha Kumbh in the early hours of Wednesday, due to massive rush for Mauni Amavasya ‘Amrit Snan’; over 30 people including women and children are injured and casualties are also feared. Thousands of thousands devotees thronged Maha Kumbh Nagar to bathe in the Triveni Sangam on this auspicious occasion, at a particular time, causing a stampede to break out. The stampede started from pole no. 165 at the Sangam Nose as only one entry and exit bridge was opened for public while one entry and exit was dedicated for the akharas. Barricades near the Triveni Sangam were knocked off due to the unprecedented rush, resulting in a chaos and a stampede broke out; over 30 devotees including women have been injured and casualties are also feared.

Mauni Amavasya, Massive Crowd: How Stampede Broke Out?

Eyewitnesses have also revealed that the crowd at Maha Kumbh was poorly managed and there was no one to help during the stampede-like situation. One of them said, “All of a sudden, we got trapped and a stampede broke out; there was no place for us to enter or get out. People were watching and laughing at us…” while another one said, “There was no one to help and manage the crowd… a lot of people, at least 30-40 people have been injured, don't know how many of them are safe…”

'Lost a Few Lives': PM Modi Confirms Deaths in Maha Kumbh Stampede

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered his deepest condolences to the devotees who lost their family members in the stampede at the Maha Kumbh, describing the tragedy as extremely saddening.

In a post on X, he said the local administration in Prayagraj is giving all possible help to the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

He said, "I have been speaking to Chief Minister Yogi ji and am in constant touch with the state government." A stampede broke out at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early Wednesday as crores of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Several casualties are feared.

While addressing a public gathering in the national capital ahead of the Delhi Polls, PM Modi has spoken about the stampede at Maha Kumbh and has confirmed deaths. He has said, "We have lost a few lives, several people are injured. I am saddened to lose lives on an auspicious day and am praying for the souls of those departed in the stampede." He further said, "I am constantly in touch with the state government."

Maha Kumbh Stampede: Many Feared Dead, Several Devotees Injured

Multiple casualties were feared after a stampede broke out at the Sangam on Wednesday amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh, as a large number of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya, officials said. Officer on Special Duty for the Mela Akanksha Rana said, "Some people have got injured and have been hospitalised after a barrier broke at the Sangam. We are yet to have the exact count of those injured". Those injured were taken to the central hospital established in the Mela area. Relatives of many injured also reached there as did some senior administrative and police officials.

Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan Resumes

The Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan, which had been halted following the stampede, has resumed. Devotees are gathering in large numbers at the Mahakumbh Mela on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, with security being tightened ahead of the Amrit Snan. Authorities are ensuring safety as the crowd continues to gather at ghat after stampede.

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri on Wednesday had said that due to the stampede-like situation at Maha Kumbh, the seers have called off their Mauni Amavasya's Amrit Snan. "You would've seen what happened in the morning, and that's why we have decided to... All of our saints and seers were ready for the 'snan' when we were informed about this incident. That's why we have decided to call off our 'snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya'," Mahant Ravindra Puri had told PTI Videos.

PM Modi Makes 4 Calls to UP CM Yogi After Stampede at Maha Kumbh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath twice on Wednesday to review the situation at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The Prime Minister called for immediate support measures. PM Modi has spoken to UP CM Yogi Adityanath second time in an hour. He is continuously monitoring the situation at Mahakumbh. Rescue operations are underway, and those injured in the chaos caused by the large crowd have been taken to Central Hospital.

Follow Instructions of Administration: CM Yogi Adityanath Issues Statement

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a statement appealed to the devotees to take a dip at their nearest ghat and not try to go towards Sangam Nose, follow the instructions of the administration and cooperate with them. He has also asked to not pay attention to any rumours.

(Inputs from ANI, PTI)

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Updated 13:37 IST, January 29th 2025