Key Highlights:
- Stampede at Sangam Nose: A stampede-like situation in Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh Mela on Mauni Amavasya left several injured amid an overwhelming crowd of devotees. Casualty reports are being verified.
- Akharas Delay Amrit Snan: To manage the situation, all Akharas have decided to delay their Amrit Snan, allowing for crowd control measures to be implemented.
- Special Trains Suspended: Maha Kumbh Mela special trains from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Junction to Prayagraj have been temporarily suspended, though regular trains continue to operate.
- PM Modi Intervenes: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times to monitor the situation and ensure relief efforts are underway.
- Emergency Meeting Underway: CM Yogi is holding a high-level meeting with senior officials to assess the circumstances and coordinate steps to normalize the situation.
Prayagraj: The sacred occasion of Mauni Amavasya at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 turned chaotic on Wednesday, January 29, as the massive influx of devotees led to a stampede-like situation at Sangam Nose, one of the key bathing ghats. With crores of devotees flocking to the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, the sheer intensity of the crowd overwhelmed barricades, causing panic.
Several injuries have been reported, and the injured are being treated at an emergency hospital set up within the fairgrounds. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, but reports suggest that a few deaths are possible.
Trains and Akhara Activities Disrupted
Special Trains Temporarily Halted
To ease crowd density at Prayagraj Junction, the operation of Maha Kumbh Mela special trains running from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Junction to Prayagraj has been temporarily suspended. However, special trains operating on other routes and regular trains from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Junction are running as per schedule.
Despite these measures, Prayagraj Junction continues to witness a heavy influx of devotees, creating logistical challenges for authorities.
Akhara Decisions on Amrit Snan
All Akharas, which traditionally perform the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, have decided to delay their holy dip to allow authorities to manage the crowd more effectively. This decision is aimed at preventing further incidents and ensuring the safety of pilgrims.
Prime Minister Modi and CM Yogi Take Charge
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken personal interest in the unfolding crisis at the Maha Kumbh. He has spoken with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on three separate occasions today to receive updates and provide directions. PM Modi has emphasized the need to restore order swiftly and provide medical assistance and relief to the affected pilgrims.
Meanwhile, CM Yogi is leading a high-level emergency meeting with senior government officials to review the situation and plan immediate steps to normalize conditions at the Kumbh Mela. The Special Executive Officer for the fair, Akanksha Rana, confirmed that the barricades at Sangam Nose broke under pressure, creating panic and injuries.
Eyewitness Accounts from the Ground
Eyewitnesses have recounted chilling scenes of panic and chaos. A woman who witnessed the situation described how people began pushing forward uncontrollably, causing the barricades near the Sangam Nose Ghat to collapse.
“We came for a holy dip, but the crowd was enormous. As people pushed forward, some began to suffocate, and many lost their balance. It was terrifying,” said one devotee.
Authorities quickly evacuated the injured to the fairground hospitals, while relatives of the wounded gathered outside anxiously awaiting updates.
Emergency Measures to Manage the Situation
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, authorities have implemented key steps to manage the crowd and prevent further incidents:
- Crowd Diversion: Devotees are being stopped at entry points outside Prayagraj and are being redirected to alternate areas.
- Increased Security Deployment: Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and additional law enforcement officers have been deployed at key locations, including Prayagraj Junction.
- Monitoring of Fairgrounds: Drones and CCTV cameras are being used to monitor crowd movements in real-time.
- Emergency Medical Services: Hospitals in and around the fairgrounds are on high alert, with dedicated teams set up to handle influxes of injured pilgrims.
The Significance of Mauni Amavasya
Mauni Amavasya is one of the holiest bathing days in the Maha Kumbh Mela, drawing millions of devotees from across India. It is believed that taking a dip in the Sangam on this day cleanses one’s sins and leads to salvation.
This year’s event has seen unprecedented turnout, with authorities estimating crores of devotees attending the fair since it began on January 13. Despite elaborate arrangements, the sheer scale of the gathering posed significant challenges.
A History of Managing the Maha Kumbh
India’s Maha Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, and managing such massive crowds is an incredible logistical challenge. In recent years, authorities have invested in enhanced security measures, digital monitoring, and crowd control mechanisms to ensure safety.
However, today’s incident underscores the need for even more robust strategies to manage peak crowd days like Mauni Amavasya.
A Challenging Day at the Maha Kumbh
The stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has brought into focus the immense challenges of managing massive gatherings during high-stakes religious events. While authorities acted swiftly to minimize further harm, the incident has raised important questions about crowd control strategies and infrastructure readiness.
With PM Modi and CM Yogi closely monitoring the developments, efforts are being made to ensure the safety of the remaining pilgrims and restore normalcy at the event. This tragic disruption serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to manage faith, tradition, and safety on such a grand scale.
