PRAYAGRAJ, Jan 29: A stampede-like situation at the Mahakumbh Mela in Mahakumbh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, on Wednesday morning has left at least 15 people dead and many others injured. The incident occurred as massive crowds gathered to take a holy dip in the Ganga on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
Sources reported that nearly fifteen dead bodies have been brought to the hospital, although the exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed by officials. Ambulances were quickly dispatched, and the injured were rushed to a central hospital within the Mela premises for medical treatment.
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath twice within the hour to review the situation. Despite the installation of hundreds of cameras, drones, and AI technology to monitor the crowd, the stampede occurred.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees not to proceed to Sangam Nose and to instead take their holy bath at the ghat near Maa Ganga. The Akharas, which are religious organizations, have called off the Amrit Snan for January 29 following the stampede-like situation that unfolded at Sangam, resulting in several devotees being injured.
Spiritual leaders have also advised devotees to avoid visiting Sangam Ghat temporarily to prevent further crowd surges. Special Executive Officer Akanksha Rana reassured the public, stating, “On the Sangam routes, a stampede-like situation arose after some barriers broke. Some people have been injured. They are under treatment. It is not a serious situation.”
The Mahakumbh Mela 2025, which began on January 13 at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, has already seen over 15 crore pilgrims take a holy dip in the Sangam and ghats over the past 17 days. The mega event, which is billed as the largest human gathering on earth, will conclude on February 26.
