Prayagraj :
In a devastating turn of events, the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj was marred by a tragic stampede on the morning of Mauni Amavasya, resulting in multiple injuries and feared deaths. The incident, which occurred due to a surge in crowd and the breaking of barricades near the sacred Sangam, has disrupted the highly revered holy dip, prompting immediate action from both religious leaders and government authorities.
The stampede, which happened about a kilometre away from the Sangam, led to chaos as barricades broke, causing around 30 women to be injured, with some fainting and suffocating in the melee. The injured pilgrims were swiftly rushed to nearby hospitals, including Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College, for urgent medical attention.
In response to the tragedy, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri announced the cancellation of the Mauni Amavasya’s Amrit Snan, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the devotees. This decision was made after seers and saints were informed about the incident, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promptly intervened, directing Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to arrange immediate relief measures for those affected by the stampede. Authorities took swift action, closing pontoon bridges to prevent similar incidents and enforcing stringent security measures, including AI-powered surveillance and drone monitoring.
The Maha Kumbh 2025, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26, has already seen an unprecedented influx of pilgrims. Nearly five crore people had arrived in Prayagraj a day before the second Amrit Snan, with crowds expected to swell to 10 crore on the day of the Mauni Amavasya. To manage this massive crowd, the railways are operating 360 special trains, ensuring a train runs every four minutes to provide seamless connectivity for the millions of pilgrims.
The event holds significant spiritual importance, particularly this year due to a rare celestial alignment known as ‘Triveni Yog,’ which occurs once every 144 years. Over 1,000 medical professionals and 300 specialist doctors have been deployed in the Maha Kumbh area to handle any emergency situations, underscoring the extensive preparations made by the authorities.
Despite the tragic incident, the Maha Kumbh 2025 has already witnessed over 15 crore pilgrims taking a holy dip in the past 17 days, with 4.80 crore devotees participating on the day before the Mauni Amavasya. The event continues to be a testament to the enduring faith and devotion of millions, even in the face of adversity.
