Mahakumbh Mela Stampede Highlights: Following the deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh that claimed 30 lives, the Uttar Pradesh government has escalated efforts to strengthen crowd management and ensure the safety of the thousands of devotees who continue to attend the religious event. On Thursday, pilgrims despite of early morning chill and dense fog took ritual baths in the Sangam and other ghats. As per the latest report shared by the Uttar Pradesh government, more than 55.11 lakh devotees have taken part in the holy dip.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry into the tragic stampede that claimed 30 lives and injured 60 others during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday (January 29).
Adityanath also announced an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh each for the kin of the deceased.The three-member inquiry panel would be headed by retired judge Harsh Kumar and also include former DGP VK Gupta and retired IAS officer DK Singh.
The stampede took place in the early hours at the Sangam area as millions of pilgrims gathered to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the religious festival. At least 60 others were injured in the chaos, which occurred between 1 am and 2 am.
Mahakumbh Mela Stampede Live Updates
The situation spiraled out of control as devotees attempted to jump over barricades meant to manage the massive crowd. This led to suffocation, pushing, and trapping individuals between barricades and police, with some suffering heart attacks. Authorities have issued a helpline number, 1920, to assist those affected. Officer on Special Duty, Akanksha Rana, confirmed that the injured have been rushed to hospitals, though the exact number of casualties is still being determined.
Mahakumbh Mela 2025 Prayagraj Live Updates: Seers Call Off Mauni Amavasya’s Amrit Snan
A stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday forced seers to call off their sacred Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri announced.
The incident occurred at the Sangam, where several devotees, including women and children, sustained injuries. “You would have seen what happened in the morning. Our saints and seers were ready for the ‘snan’ when we were informed about the incident. That’s why we decided to cancel it,” Puri told PTI Videos.
As per tradition, Akharas from the Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen sects participate in the holy dip in a set sequence, following a grand procession to the Sangam Ghat. The sacred ritual, usually performed under special celestial alignments, holds deep significance for Hindus.
Prime Minister Modi spoke with Chief Minister Yogi to gather details about the stampede near Sangam coast. He reviewed the situation and urged swift relief measures.
#mahakumbh2025 | PM Modi spoke to UP CM Yogi Adityanath about the situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela, reviewed the developments, and called for immediate support measures. pic.twitter.com/T5mQCQM7M0
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025