Tragic Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj
On January 29, 2025, a horrible stampede occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, northern India, causing many deaths and injuries. Thousands of people gathered for a holy bath at the intersection of the Ganges, Yamuna, and fabled Saraswati rivers, marking the most auspicious day of the six-week Hindu celebration.
#WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Rescue operations are underway after a stampede-like situation arose in Maha Kumbh and several people were reported injured. https://t.co/4z63F7pAS9 pic.twitter.com/YxZHXIoy51
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025
Millions of people arrived in the early hours, documented on drone footage; later photographs showed bodies being hauled away on stretchers and people in agony.
#WATCH | Drone visuals from the Ghats of Triveni as a huge number of devotees reach for the Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. pic.twitter.com/3Klik3sF8q
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) January 29, 2025
Around one in the morning, a first minor stampede developed as people looked for escape routes only to discover closed exits. Calling for support measures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have urged the people to utilize surrounding riverbanks for the holy plunge.
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सभी पूज्य संतों, श्रद्धालुओं, प्रदेश एवं देश वासियों से मेरी अपील है कि अफवाह पर कोई ध्यान न दें, संयम से काम लें, प्रशासन आप सभी की सेवा के लिए तत्परता से कार्य कर रहा है… pic.twitter.com/r3qAkveJoz
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025
Held every twelve years, the Maha Kumbh Mela is regarded as the biggest human gathering of nearly 400 million people over six weeks. Participants at the event should wash in ceremonial baths in holy rivers, therefore atoning for sins and bestowing blessings. Already drawing 148 million people, the 2025 celebration is expected to draw around 100 million more on this lucky day.
महाकुम्भ-2025, प्रयागराज आए प्रिय श्रद्धालुओं,
माँ गंगा के जिस घाट के आप समीप हैं, वहीं स्नान करें, संगम नोज की ओर जाने का प्रयास न करें।
आप सभी प्रशासन के निर्देशों का अनुपालन करें, व्यवस्था बनाने में सहयोग करें।
संगम के सभी घाटों पर शांतिपूर्वक स्नान हो रहा है। किसी भी अफवाह…
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 29, 2025
Officials canceled the anticipated “royal bath” and strengthened security, medical personnel, and crowd control policies to contain the notable attendance following the spike. Though attempts have been made, the tragedy has left many puzzled and hopeless as they search for their lost friends and relatives.
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This incident underlines the ongoing safety concerns about planning such big events. Similar tragedies have a history in the Maha Kumbh Mela, which emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure and crowd control to ensure the safety of every participant.
As the festival rolls on, authorities are urging pilgrims to remain vigilant and observe safety protocols to assist in preventing similar catastrophes. Now top priority is helping the affected families and implementing rules to increase security for the rest of the event.
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