A tragic stampede occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of at least 38 individuals, with many others injured. The incident took place in the early hours as tens of millions of devotees gathered for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, considered the most auspicious day of the six-week Hindu festival.
Unofficial numbers are pointing out a much higher death toll. However, official numbers are yet to be released.
The initial Maha Kumbh stampede began around 1 a.m. local time, though the exact cause remains unclear. Witnesses reported that as devotees attempted to escape the initial chaos, they encountered further congestion at exit points, leading to additional stampedes. Some devotees, seeking alternative routes, found certain pontoon bridges closed by authorities, exacerbating the situation. A devotee from Mumbai told Reuters, “I saw many people falling and getting walked on by the crowd… many children and women getting lost, crying for help.”
The Reuters, quoting police officials, said “Nearly 40 bodies were brought to the morgue…a Reuters witness counted 39 bodies inside the morgue. One of the three police sources and a fourth officer said all 39 were stampede victims.”
In response to the Maha Kumbh stampede, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to manage the situation and assist in rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi communicated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing the need for “immediate support measures.” Chief Minister Adityanath appealed to pilgrims to bathe at nearby riverbanks instead of converging at the main confluence to prevent further incidents.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years, is renowned as the world’s largest religious gathering, with expectations of over 400 million attendees over its duration. The festival holds profound religious significance, with Hindus believing that bathing at the river confluence absolves them of sins and grants salvation.
Despite extensive preparations, including increased security, medical personnel, and infrastructure enhancements, the sheer volume of participants presents significant challenges. Following the incident, religious leaders canceled the scheduled ‘royal bath’ and urged pilgrims to avoid the main bathing site. The tragedy has led to scenes of chaos and grief, with many searching for missing loved ones amidst the aftermath. This event echoes past tragedies, notably the 2013 Maha Kumbh Mela, where a similar stampede resulted in numerous fatalities.
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