Maha Kumbh Stampede On Mauni Amavasya: What We Know So Far

Several people were injured in the stampede at the Maha Kumbh, and many families have been separated amid the chaos.
maha kumbh stampede

A stampede-like incident occurred at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj early morning of January 29, 2025, Wednesday, just before the 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya.' Officials reported that the overwhelming number of pilgrims who gathered for the sacred bath on Mauni Amavasya caused a chaotic situation, resulting in several injuries. Reports indicate that 30 women have been injured and are currently receiving treatment at the central hospital set up in the Mela area.

Maha Kumbh Stampede On Mauni Amavasya

A tragic stampede-like situation unfolded at the Sangam in Prayagraj early Wednesday morning during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, leading to fears of multiple fatalities, according to news agency PTI. The chaos broke out when a large crowd gathered for the holy bath on Mauni Amavasya.

A video shared by ANI showed that the stampede occurred after barriers broke under the pressure of tens of thousands of people heading to the Triveni Sangam for the 'second Shahi Snan'. The incident happened around 2 am, with the crowd tightly packed along a 12-km stretch of riverbanks. Many people were injured, and several families were separated, witnesses said.

Initially, the Akharas (monastic orders) announced the cancellation of the Amrit Snan for the day following the stampede. However, Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad president Ravindra Puri later confirmed that the Amrit Snan would proceed as planned after the crowd dispersed.

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Yogi Adityanath Monitors The Situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times regarding the stampede incident and is closely monitoring the situation, officials confirmed. The Prime Minister is providing guidance to help restore order and ensure relief efforts.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a tweet, urged devotees to take the holy dip at the nearest ghat along the Ganga and avoid heading towards the Sangam Nose, where the stampede took place. He emphasised that several ghats have been set up for the holy dip and called on people to follow the administration's guidelines, cooperate with officials, and disregard any rumours.

He added, “Senior citizens, children, and people with respiratory ailments should take the holy dip anywhere, there is Ganga water everywhere. We want cooperation from them, then we will be able to ensure a safe pilgrimage.”

Mauni Amavasya is regarded as the most sacred day for devotees to take a holy dip in the Ganga, and this year, it holds even greater significance due to the rare celestial alignment known as 'Triveni Yog,' which occurs once every 144 years. This alignment enhances the spiritual importance of the day.

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Coinciding with the ongoing Maha Kumbh, Mauni Amavasya is considered a day of immense spiritual merit for Hindus, believed to bring salvation and peace. Devotees traditionally observe silence, and fast, and engage in worship as part of the rituals at the Triveni Sangam.

The Triveni Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet, is known as the holiest place for Hindus. Taking a dip here during the Maha Kumbh, particularly on auspicious days like Mauni Amavasya, is believed to cleanse one's sins and offer 'moksha' or salvation.

In preparation for this significant day, the Uttar Pradesh government had implemented strict crowd control measures, including no-vehicular zones and sector-wise restrictions, to ensure smooth and safe movement of devotees. Visuals from the Sangam and ghats showed tens of thousands of pilgrims gathering to take the sacred dip in the Ganga.

The Maha Kumbh, held once every 12 years, began on January 13, 2025 and will run until February 26, 2025. The Uttar Pradesh government, which is hosting the event, anticipates a massive turnout of around 40 crore pilgrims, making it the largest spiritual gathering in the world.

Keep reading Herzindagi for more such stories.

Credits: ANI Twitter/Yogi Adityanath Twitter

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