Tragic Stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj: Urgent Rescue Operations as Casualties Feared

A rescue operation is currently underway following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, coinciding with Mauni Amavasya. This incident at the Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet, resulted in several casualties, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. The stampede was triggered when a barrier broke amidst the massive throng of pilgrims who gathered for the Amrit Snan, a ceremonial bathing considered the most significant event of the festival. This year’s gathering was particularly large due to the rare Triveni Yog celestial alignment occurring for the first time in 144 years.

Officials have set up a central hospital within the Mela grounds to treat the injured, and many relatives and authorities have rushed to the scene. Sarojini, a witness from Karnataka, recounted how the crowd became uncontrollable, leading to a chaotic situation where escape was nearly impossible. The incident unfolded despite prior advisories from Mela authorities, urging pilgrims to adhere to crowd-management measures to ensure safety. These guidelines included using designated lanes, avoiding lingering at the ghats, and maintaining patience at barricades. The administration stressed the sacredness of all ghats at the Sangam and encouraged devotees to bathe at the first available ghat to prevent overcrowding.

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/uttar-pradesh/stampede-breaks-out-at-maha-kumbh-mela-at-sangam-during-mauni-amavasya/article69153202.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-01-29 05:18:00