Mahakumbh Stampede Highlights: Bodies of victims to reach Karnataka today, says Minister

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the stampede at the Maha Kumbh. He assured that he is in regular communication with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and local authorities to ensure all necessary support is provided.

The stampede occurred at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday morning, when millions of pilgrims crowded to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Several casualties were reported as devotees jostled for space.

NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule condemned the Kumbh tragedy and blamed it on mismanagement, “What has happened is very unfortunate. I saw Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti ji’s statement who is on the ground and she has made a statement that there is mismanagement.”

“There was no stampede. It was just overcrowding due to which some devotees got injured.” SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi told ANI.

“The situation is completely under control. No kind of rumours must be paid heed to.” he further added.

Even though there has been no confirmation on the official casualty figure PM Modi has offered condolences to the families of those who died in the incident.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the stampede-like situation at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela. He assured full support in strengthening health services to manage the situation effectively.

PM and Home Minister Intervene
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier reached out to CM Yogi Adityanath following the incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday.

Saints Resume Amrit Snan
Despite a brief halt due to heavy crowds, saints resumed their processions toward Triveni Sangam for the second Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

Saints continue to arrive at the Triveni Sangam, albeit in smaller processions, for the second Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

As of 12 PM today, around 4.24 crore devotees have taken a holy dip. The total count of devotees participating in the sacred ritual has now surpassed 20 crores.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has strongly criticized the arrangements at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, particularly in the aftermath of the recent stampede that led to multiple casualties. Raising concerns over inadequate facilities, Raut questioned the administration’s preparedness for handling the massive influx of devotees.

Questions Over Devotee Facilities
Calling the Kumbh a matter of faith, Raut pointed out that women were being forced to sleep on roads due to poor arrangements. Comparing the current situation to previous years, he remarked, “During Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure, the arrangements at Kumbh were the best.” He also blamed VIP visits for straining the system, stating, “When Union ministers & VIPs visit, it puts pressure on the system.”

Administration Held Responsible for Deaths
Referring to the tragic stampede, Raut held the authorities accountable, claiming, “More than 10 people have died. I believe the Administration is responsible for these deaths… We call this inhuman.” He questioned the use of over Rs 10,000 crore allocated for the event, asking, “Where did the money go?” He added that if proper systems had been in place, the loss of lives could have been avoided.

Opposition Blames BJP for Politicizing Kumbh
Raut accused the BJP of using the religious gathering for political gains, stating, “They want to take advantage of the marketing of Kumbh and fight the elections.” Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati also termed the situation at Maha Kumbh “extremely sad and worrisome,” while Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav blamed the mishap on “mismanagement.”

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has held inadequate arrangements, excessive VIP movement, and a focus on self-promotion responsible for the “stampede” at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

Expressing grief over the incident, Kharge said, “The news of a stampede at Teerthraj Sangam, where several people lost their lives and many were injured, is deeply heart-wrenching. My condolences to the families of the devotees, and I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Criticizing the authorities, he added, “Despite spending thousands of crores, the mismanagement is unacceptable. More effort has gone into self-promotion than ensuring proper crowd control.”

Kharge urged the government to take immediate action, especially with several ‘Shahi Snans’ still left. He called for improved arrangements for accommodation, food, first aid, and crowd movement while restricting VIP presence.

The tragic incident at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is deeply saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones, and I pray for the swift recovery of those injured. The local administration is making every effort to assist the victims. In this regard, I have spoken with Chief Minister Yogi Ji and remain in constant touch with the state government.

DIG Mahakumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, has directed horse-mounted police personnel to assist in moving devotees and vacating the Triveni Sangam ghat as part of ongoing crowd control measures during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

In light of the massive crowds gathering for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, along with a sniffer dog, conducted regular security checks to ensure the safety of the devotees. Speaking to ANI, Krishna said, “We expect more than 10 crore people today. All our officials and personnel have been deployed for crowd regulation since yesterday evening. People are bathing at all the ghats here peacefully.” He added that many Akharas had agreed to delay their snan, which helped in managing the crowd more effectively.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has expressed deep sorrow over the stampede incident at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, urging devotees to remain patient and cautious following the tragedy.

In a post on X, Kejriwal said, “The stampede incident in Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. I pray for the peace of the souls of the devotees who lost their lives in this accident. May God give strength to their families to bear this immense sorrow.” He further appealed to all devotees to maintain patience, follow the administration’s instructions, and prioritize safety.

Meanwhile, other AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Saurabh Bhardwaj, targeted the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, criticizing their handling of the situation.

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The President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri, clarified on Wednesday that there are only three ‘Amrit snans’ during the ongoing Maha Kumbh: Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami. He added that the Amavasya tithi will continue until tonight, and the Akharas would wait for the crowd to subside before taking their holy dip.

Puri also addressed the stampede-like situation earlier in the day, urging people not to pay attention to rumors. “A small incident was exaggerated, which is unfortunate,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining calm and communicating with the Mela administration. He reassured devotees that all saints, Mahamandaleshwars, Naga Sadhus, and others would take part in the holy dip once the crowd reduced.

In the wake of the stampede-like incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation at the Maha Kumbh.

Samajwadi Party chief calls out BJP-led UP government and Centre over stampede-like incident, seeks accountability.

Opposition leaders have sharply criticized the BJP-led UP government and the Centre over the recent stampede-like incident at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav made a strong statement, declaring that the truth behind the claims of a ‘world-class system’ has now been exposed.

In a post on X, Yadav demanded that the administration and management of the Maha Kumbh be immediately handed over to the Army to restore faith among the saint community and devotees. He further called for those responsible for spreading false claims to take moral responsibility for the lives lost in the incident and resign from their positions.

Stringent security measures are in place at Triveni Sangam as police facilitate the passage of Akharas and saints for their sacred Amrit Snan during Mauni Amavasya.

Globally respected Vaishnava leader and spiritual guru Shri Pundrik Goswami Ji Maharaj graces the Maha Kumbh Mela with his divine presence.

The esteemed Vaishnava leader, Shri Pundrik Goswami Ji Maharaj, renowned for his deep Vedic wisdom and modern insights into ancient texts, is currently participating in the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Devotees and spiritual seekers eagerly awaited his arrival due to his exceptional ability to connect with the youth and share profound spiritual teachings.

In the past three days, Maharaj Ji has visited several revered social gurus at their ashrams, including Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Maharaj, Swami Govindadev Giri Maharaj, Swami Giananand Giri Maharaj, and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev Ji.

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India on Wednesday led to the deaths of more than seven people and left around 10 others injured, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred as tens of millions of devotees gathered for a holy dip on the most significant day of the six-week Hindu festival. Drone footage captured massive crowds arriving in the pre-dawn hours at the temporary township in Prayagraj for the ritual bathing at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

(Reuters)

Around 8-10 crore devotees are gathered in Prayagraj today for the Mauni Amavasya bath, with heavy pressure at Sangam Nose. Some devotees sustained serious injuries while attempting to bypass barricades on Akhara Marg, and are receiving medical treatment. Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel are monitoring the situation closely. Authorities have assured devotees not to pay attention to rumors and encouraged them to take dips at nearby ghats. Special trains are being operated to transport devotees back after the holy bath.

A Massive crowd of devotees continue to take holy baths in Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya in the ongoing Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj.

17.5 million people have taken a holy dip today till 6 am today and a total of 199.4 million people have taken a holy dip till January 28, as per the Uttar Pradesh government.

“I appeal to people to take a holy bath patiently…” A devotee said Another devotee said that he is fortunate to take a dip during ‘Brahmamuhurat.’. “We were fortunate to take ‘shahi snan’ during the ‘Brahmamuhurat,” he said.

A group of pilgrims from Bengaluru attended Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.

One of the pilgrims said people in Bengaluru talk a lot about PM Modi and Yogi and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements.

“My message to the Hindu community is to pray at Prayagraj and attend Mahakumbh. People in Bengaluru, and Karnataka, talk a lot about PM Modi and Yogi ji. Good arrangements have been made here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath posted a message on the social media platform X on Wednesday, advising devotees attending the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj to follow instructions issued by the administration.

“Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj, dear devotees, Please take your holy bath at the ghat nearest to you, and do not attempt to go towards the Sangam Nose. Kindly follow all the instructions given by the administration and cooperate in maintaining order,” Yogi Adityanath wrote in his post.

He also noted that a bath is taking place at all the ghats of the Sangam. “Do not pay any attention to rumours,” the CM added.

This comes after “a stampede-like” situation arose at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday. Special executive officer Akanksha Rana, however, said that the situation was not serious and that the injured were receiving medical treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken cognisance of the incident and is continuously monitoring the situation. Home Minister Amit Shah has also assured full support from the Centre.

Meanwhile, the Akharas, which had originally called off the Amrit Snan, say that as the crowds at their ghats have decreased, they would go for the holy dip later in the day.

9 crore pilgrims are present today for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on ‘Mauni Amavasya’ at the Maha Kumbh.

The Ministry of Railways has announced plans to operate over 360 trains from various stations in the Prayagraj region today. Currently, there are no plans to cancel any special trains.

In a tweet addressing the devotees during Maha Kumbh-2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged them to take their holy dip at the nearest Ganga ghat and avoid crowding at the Sangam Nose. He emphasized the importance of following the administration’s instructions to maintain peace and safety. The CM assured that people are bathing peacefully at all the ghats of Sangam and advised the devotees not to pay attention to any rumors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively overseeing the situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela after a stampede-like incident earlier today. In close coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government, he has spoken with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times this morning, providing directions for relief and restoration of normalcy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also communicated with CM Adityanath, offering full support from the Centre in managing the crisis.

Following the initial postponement of the Holy Dip by the Akharas, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri, announced that the Akharas would resume their ‘snan’ today, as the situation at the ghats improves. The Akharas will conduct their processions on a smaller scale and may even take the holy dip later in the evening.

(With ANI inputs)

In the wake of a stampede-like situation, Akharas have decided to resume their ‘Amrit Snan’ today, after initially calling it off due to a massive crowd. Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, confirmed that the crowd has reduced, and the ghats reserved for the Akharas’ holy dip are being vacated, allowing the snan to take place.

Puri stated, “We postponed the snan this morning due to the crowd. Now, with the situation under control, all Akharas will take a holy dip today. Our processions will continue as usual but on a smaller scale, and we have the flexibility to conduct the snan at night as well, as it’s Mauni Amavasya.”

Addressing the earlier stampede-like situation, Puri attributed the chaos to misinformation spread among devotees. He urged the public to follow safety guidelines and not rush to the Sangam, emphasizing the importance of taking the dip at any nearby ghat.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also appealed to devotees to follow the Mela administration’s instructions for their safety, as the Maha Kumbh continues to draw millions.

(With ANI inputs)

Over seven people were killed and around 10 others injured in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday, as tens of millions gathered for the holy dip. Drone footage showed the large crowd arriving before dawn, but chaos ensued after a stampede at 1 a.m. The situation worsened when devotees, trying to escape, were caught in another stampede at an exit. Many were seen crying for help, and some were walked over by the crowd. Rescue operations were launched, with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) deployed to restore order. The cause of the stampede remains unclear.

(With Reuters inputs)

Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji appealed to devotees on Wednesday to refrain from insisting on taking a holy dip at the Sangam Ghat after a stampede-like situation occurred due to large crowds at the ongoing Mahakumbh.

In a self-recorded video, Rambhadracharya Ji urged pilgrims to remain at their camps for safety. He stated, “Due to the massive crowd in Prayagraj today, devotees should not insist on taking a dip at the Sangam Ghat. It is important to stay in your camps and prioritize safety.”

Spiritual Leader Devkinandan Thakur Calls for Safety Amid Heavy Crowds

Another prominent spiritual leader, Devkinandan Thakur, echoed similar sentiments, urging people not to push for a bath at the Sangam Ghat. He emphasized the holiness of all parts of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers during the occasion.

“I did not go to Sangam Ghat due to the overwhelming crowd size. I urge people not to insist on a dip there as the entire Ganga and Yamuna rivers are sacred at this moment,” Thakur shared with ANI.

Over 80 Million Devotees Gather for Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya Amid Stampede Incident

The incident occurred as over 80 to 100 million devotees had gathered at the Sangam Ghats for the ‘Amrit Snan’ during the Mauni Amavasya. The massive crowd near the Triveni Sangam created chaos, leading to injuries among several pilgrims, who were being brought to the hospital in Sector 2.

(With ANI inputs)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath twice within an hour after a stampede-like situation emerged during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. He is continuously monitoring the situation and has called for immediate support measures.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to CM Yogi Adityanath following the incident at Sangam Ghat during the Mauni Amavasya Snan and assured him of full support from the Centre.

Following the incident, CM Yogi urged devotees to avoid rushing toward Sangam Ghat and instead take a dip at other ghats near the Ganga River. He also appealed to them to follow administrative guidelines and not believe in any rumors.

Spiritual leaders urge caution

Spiritual leader Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji released a video urging devotees to prioritize safety and stay at their camps rather than insisting on taking a dip at Sangam Ghat amid the heavy crowds.

Meanwhile, the Akhara Parishad has called off the Amrit Snan for the day, urging devotees to plan their holy dip on Basant Panchami (February 3) instead.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees to take a dip at the nearest ghat rather than heading towards the Sangam Nose. He emphasized the importance of following the administration’s instructions and cooperating with authorities. The Chief Minister also advised people to ignore any rumours, according to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Sarojini, a pilgrim from Karnataka, recalled the panic as she wept outside a hospital. “We came in a batch of 60 people in two buses. We were nine in our group. Suddenly, there was pushing in the crowd, and we got trapped. Many of us fell, and the crowd went out of control,” she told reporters.

A man from Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, said his mother was among the injured and had been hospitalized. Meanwhile, a couple from Meghalaya, visibly shaken, described their struggle to escape the stampede.

Another woman at the hospital recounted how her child was hurt. “There was nowhere to go. Some people were laughing while we begged them to be mindful of the children,” she said.

Stampede Disrupts Sacred Rituals

The incident occurred around 2 PM on Wednesday, as a massive crowd gathered at the Sangam and along a 12-km stretch of ghats for the Maha Kumbh. Despite the chaos, ordinary devotees continued their holy dip. However, the revered Akharas (monastic orders) decided to cancel their traditional Amrit Snan for Mauni Amavasya.

“You saw what happened in the morning. All our saints and seers were ready for the snan when we were informed of the incident. That’s why we decided to call it off,” said Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday urged the BJP government to view the Maha Kumbh with a spirit of service rather than as a platform for self-promotion. He also raised concerns about the event’s arrangements, highlighting issues with inadequate toilet facilities and the inconvenience caused to ordinary pilgrims by VIP movements.

“The BJP should not treat the Maha Kumbh as an opportunity for self-promotion, but approach it with a spirit of service to ensure the peaceful completion of the spiritual journey for all visitors,” Yadav stated.

He emphasized that the arrangements at the Maha Kumbh should be exceptional, putting the needs of the people first.

Drone footage captured a sea of millions of devotees gathered in pre-dawn darkness, shoulder to shoulder, for the holy dip marking the most auspicious day of the Maha Kumbh Mela. However, the peaceful pilgrimage turned tragic as a stampede-like situation unfolded.

Stampede Aftermath: Disturbing images emerged following the stampede, showing bodies being carried away, with distraught individuals seated on the ground. The chaotic scene was further highlighted by discarded belongings left behind as people desperately tried to escape the surging crowd.

Pre-Dawn Rush: The stampede occurred amidst the large influx of pilgrims at Sangam, who had gathered in anticipation of the Mauni Amavasya, one of the most spiritually significant days of the Mela.