Mahakumbh Mela 2025, was struck by tragedy in the early hours of Wednesday due to stampede near the Sangam Nose. The Stampede claimed the lives of more than 10 devotees and injured dozens more (the exact number is yet to be ascertained). The incident occurred on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. It is considered to be holy for a dip in the Ganga, during the Maha Kumbh. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to social media, urging pilgrims to bathe at the ghat nearest to them rather than heading towards the already overcrowded Sangam Nose. In a heartfelt message, the CM advised, "Dear devotees at the Maha Kumbh-2025, Prayagraj, please bathe at the ghat of Mother Ganga closest to you. Do not attempt to go towards the Sangam Nose." He further emphasized, "Please adhere to the instructions given by the administration and cooperate in maintaining order." He reassured everyone by adding, "Bathing is proceeding peacefully at all the ghats of the Sangam. Please do not pay heed to any rumours."
Sea of Devotees and Chaos:
Mauni Amavasya, the day of the second Shahi Snan, had drawn an estimated 10 crore devotees to Prayagraj, for a dip at the Triveni Sangam – the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. This year, the day held even greater significance due to the rare celestial alignment known as 'Triveni Yog,' occurring after 144 years. The sheer number of people, created a huge crowd, at the Sangam Nose. Around 2 AM, amidst crowd, temporary barriers gave way, triggering a stampede. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden surge and crush, which trapped and injured the devotees. This was the situation along the 12-kilometer stretch of riverbanks, as the gathering of devotees just pressed together against each other. This led to injuring many and families separated.
Government Appeals for Calm:
Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit shah and Union Health Minister JP Nada Spoke to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assuring him full support from the Central Government.
Ambulances were dispatched to the stampede spot, the injured were transported to a makeshift hospital situated in Sector 2 of the Kumbh Mela camp. Authorities appealed and requested the devotees to vacate the area after their dip. The Akhada's have now declared that they will be going forward with the procession as the crowd has now thinned down.
Akharas' Decision
Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP), the apex body of the Akharas (monastic orders), initially announced the cancellation of the Amrit Snan (auspicious bath) for the day due to the stampede. However, ABAP President Ravindra Puri later clarified that the Akharas would proceed with the ritual as planned, with a smaller procession, after the crowds had thinned. "Crores of people had gathered in the morning. We tried to postpone the morning bath, but now the crowd has reduced. The places where we had to take the holy dip are being cleared. We will take a holy dip. There will be a procession of all the Akharas, though not a big one," he stated. He also emphasised that the Akharas were in constant communication with the administration for having a smooth procession and the holy dip as there is sufficient time till late evening. The Akhara's had initially decided to postpone the holy dip to Basant Panchami which falls on 2nd February.
Mauni Amavasya and Mahakumbh:
Mauni Amavasya, during the Mahakumbh, is considered auspicious fro the Hindus. Devotees believe that a dip in the Triveni Sangam on this day washes away sins and grants 'moksha' or salvation.
As the Maha Kumbh continues, it is crucial for authorities and devotees alike to prioritise safety, adhere to guidelines, and cooperate to prevent these tragedies. Thus there is an urgent need for detailed planning and effective crowd management.
Timeline of Kumbh Tragedies:
The Kumbh Mela's is marred by a series of stampedes; each reminds us of the dangers related to crowd management:
1954 (Prayagraj): The first Kumbh Mela after India's independence became a scene of immense tragedy. On February 3rd, during Mauni Amavasya, a stampede erupted, claiming the lives of an estimated 800 people. The tragedy took place when a large number of devotees rushed to the mela for the holy dip.
1986 (Haridwar): At least 50 lives were lost in a stampede in Haridwar. The chaos was reportedly triggered when the then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Veer Bahadur Singh, along with other dignitaries, arrived, leading to restrictions on public access to the riverbanks. This resulted unrest among the devotees which culminated in a deadly surge to reach the river banks which was restricted due to VIP movements.
2003 (Nashik): A stampede during the Kumbh Mela in Nashik, Maharashtra, claimed the lives of 39 pilgrims and injured over 100. The tragedy occurred as thousands gathered for the holy dip in the Godavari River. The crowd had swelled suddenly and it was way beyond control to manage the crowd.
2013 (Prayagraj): A stampede at the Allahabad railway station during the Kumbh Mela on February 10th claimed 42 lives and injured 45. This happened due to the collapse of a footbridge triggering a panic among the massive crowds while using the bridge.
2025 (Prayagraj): The most recent tragedy unfolded on Mauni Amavasya during the Mahakumbh. The stampede near the Sangam Nose, happened as the barriers gave way, this resulted in at least more than 10 deaths and leaving many injured.
