PRAYAGRAJ: A stampede broke out at the Sangam Nose area of Maha Kumbh, Prayagraj at around 1am on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday as lakhs of devotees rushed to take the holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
Several people were injured in the chaos. Following the incident, authorities put the second Amrit Snan on hold as a precautionary measure.
Poll
What is the biggest factor in stampede incidents?
Heavy police deployment has been made across key entry and exit points to regulate the crowd.
Akharas suspends Amrit Snan
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) has decided to suspend the Amrit Snan after discussions with the administration.
Also See: Maha Kumbh Stampede
ABAP president Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri said TOI, “The administration has requested us not to proceed for Amrit Snan, and we are staying back despite being ready for the procession. In the larger public interest, all Akharas have agreed not to go for the Snan today.”
Read more: Maha Kumbh stories
Sources said the Mela administration is in talks with ABAP regarding the Snan. Earlier, Puri had said, “We are deeply saddened by what happened at Sangam Nose. This is an act of sacrifice from our side as we had been eagerly waiting for this rare occasion after 144 years. But we will now bathe on the third Amrit Snan on February 3.”
Religious leaders have urged devotees to avoid overcrowding at Sangam Nose and instead take a holy dip at nearby ghats.
Jagatguru Rambhadracharya appealed to devotees, saying, “The river Ganga is the same everywhere. Devotees should take the dip at the nearest ghat instead of insisting on reaching the Sangam.”
Acharya Mahamandelshwar of Anand Akhara, Balakanand Puri, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the entire Kumbh Mela area holds the same spiritual significance as Sangam.
Famous storyteller Devkinandan Thakur also urged devotees to avoid congestion and take a dip at the nearest ghat.
Security measures strengthened
A strong police presence, including paramilitary forces, has been deployed at entry and exit points near the Sangam to regulate the crowd.
Maha Kumbh Mela District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand has been patrolling the area to ensure the safety of devotees.
PM Modi, Amit Shah speak to UP CM Yogi, assure full support after Sangam stampede
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation at the Mahakumbh and is in constant communication with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath.
Having spoken with the CM three four times so far, Modi has emphasized the need for immediate support measures and swift normalization of the situation, while ensuring timely relief efforts for those affected.
Union home minister Amit Shah also reached out to CM Yogi Adityanath after a stampede-like situation occurred at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations. Shah assured Adityanath of full support from the Centre in managing the situation.
Meanwhile, Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees to avoid rumors and follow the instructions provided by the administration.
The state government has set up a dedicated war room for the 2025 Mahakumbh, where key officials, including the Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary-Home, CM office representatives, and ADG Law and Order, are working together to ensure smooth management and address any concerns that may arise.
He also appealed to devotees to take a dip at the nearest ghat instead of heading toward the Sangam Nose to avoid overcrowding.
‘Extremely sad’: PM Modi expresses condolences, says constantly in touch with UP govt
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, calling it “extremely sad.” He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their loved ones and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured.
Modi assured that the local administration was actively involved in assisting the victims in every possible way. He also mentioned that he had been in continuous communication with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and remained in touch with the state government to ensure timely support and relief efforts.
Meanwhile, a large number of people gathered outside the hospital set up in Maha Kumbh Sector 2, where those injured in the stampede were taken for medical assistance.
The Maha Kumbh’s bathing schedule remains largely intact. The next major bathing event will take place on Basant Panchami (February 3), which is also the third Amrit Snan.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government’s schedule, various Akharas had planned to begin their procession as early as 4am, with each group allocated a set duration for the ceremonial bath.
Yogi Adityanath assures control over Prayagraj situation
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the ongoing situation in Prayagraj, stating, “The situation in Prayagraj is under control.” He highlighted that around 8-10 crore devotees were present in the city on the day of Mauni Amavasya, resulting in significant pressure due to the large number of devotees heading toward Sangam Nose.
Some devotees suffered serious injuries while attempting to cross barricades on Akhara Marg. These individuals have been promptly shifted to hospitals for medical treatment.
Adityanath noted that since the start of the Mauni Amavasya mahurat last night, a steady flow of devotees has been arriving. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally taken stock of the situation four times, and Union home minister Amit Shah, along with Governor Anandiben Patel, has been continuously monitoring the situation.
Despite the massive crowd, Adityanath assured that the situation was under control. He shared that the saints of various akharas had requested devotees to take the holy dip first, and once the crowds subsided, the akharas would proceed with their holy dip. He also appealed to devotees not to heed any rumors, emphasizing that ghats had been set up across the entire Kumbh area, and there was no need for devotees to head only to Sangam Nose.
The CM further assured that proper medical treatment was being provided to the injured, and the Railways had organized special trains to help devotees return to their respective destinations.
Cops deployed, Super 20 team manages crowd as seers take holy dip
Authorities have deployed police personnel at seven static points along the corridor route to regulate the flow of devotees during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
The “Super 20” team, assigned to manage the crowd at ghats, is appealing to pilgrims to vacate the area after taking their holy dip.
Senior seers of Juna, Agni, and Aawahan Akharas have decided to return to their camps and take their holy dip later in the day at the nearest ghat.
The administration has set up temporary ghats along a 12-km stretch of the Ganga to accommodate the large number of devotees.
Akhara leaders postpone procession, opt for symbolic snan
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdeshanand Giri of Juna Akhara, along with Baba Ramdev and BJP MP from Mathura Hema Malini, took a holy dip at the nearest available ghat.
The Acharya arrived without a grand procession, performed puja at the riverbank, and offered a saree to Maa Ganga.
A government spokesperson clarified that the Akharas have not canceled their Snan but have postponed their holy dip for later in the day.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara stated that the akhara will not hold a procession and will instead take a symbolic Snan.
President of Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri, stated, “As soon as the crowd of devotees reduces and there is space for us, the Akharas will proceed with the Amrit Snan.”
Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri said, “We are seeing that the crowd is decreasing now, and we are holding discussions with the Mela administration. We would like to take the ‘snan’ if the crowd decreases. We had postponed the ‘snan’ in the morning. We are also trying to ensure that the situation normalises, after which we will coordinate with the Mela administration and proceed with the ‘snan’.”
ABVP President Ravindra Puri stated that the Akharas will proceed for the Amrit Snan after 10am, but only after assessing the situation regarding the number of devotees at the Sangam Nose.
Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur has appealed for calm following reports of a stampede-like situation at Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations.
“I just returned after taking a dip in the Ganga, and I received a message about a stampede at Sangam. I request everyone to remain calm, as Sangam is extremely crowded right now. I chose to bathe in the Ganga instead of Sangam for this reason, and I still received the same spiritual benefits. Please do not believe in rumors, as authorities are handling the situation. I urge people not to take elderly and children to Sangam at this moment,” he said.
After conducting a ‘shanti puja’ for those affected by the stampede, Parmarth Niketan Head Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj spoke about the incident, emphasizing the importance of safety in such moments. He said, “We have cancelled all the planned programmes and advised the people that at this time, the only worship is to pray for those affected by the stampede, wherever they are. There is no need to gather at Sangam for the holy dip. I urge devotees to take the holy dip wherever they are. The safety of the people is the ‘snan’ at the moment.” Saraswati Maharaj also highlighted the prompt response from the Prime Minister, stating that PM Modi had spoken to CM Yogi Adityanath twice about the situation. With a large crowd present, he assured that they had performed a ‘shanti puja’ for peace and well-being.
The mela administration is currently in the process of vacating the barricaded area at Sangam Nose, which was exclusively designated for the bathing of akharas. Once the area is cleared and cleaned by the cleaning staff, the akharas will be allowed to proceed for the Amrit Snan.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati cancels ‘samoohik snan’
Parmarth Niketan Ashram President Swami Chidanand Saraswati expressed deep concern over the stampede incident at the Mahakumbh. He shared that upon learning about the stampede, they informed everyone at their camp about the decision to cancel the ‘samoohik snan’ (collective dip).
Instead, devotees were advised to take a dip at their nearest Ganga Ghat for their safety. He emphasized that the well-being and service of the people should be the priority at this moment. Swami Saraswati further mentioned that prayers had been offered for the injured, and noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already spoken to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath twice in the past hour, staying in constant communication.
He acknowledged the administration’s prompt action and confirmed that all planned programs had been canceled, with the group now heading to Sangam to meet the people and victims directly.
Political leaders express sorrow, urge immediate action over Maha Kumbh stampede
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed his sorrow over the stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which led to casualties, calling the incident deeply distressing.
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, he conveyed his condolences and appealed to the government for immediate action. Yadav urged the authorities to ensure that seriously injured individuals are quickly transported to the nearest hospitals using air ambulances and provided with urgent medical treatment. He also called for the identification of the deceased and their return to their families.
Additionally, he stressed the need for efforts to reunite separated individuals and increase surveillance through helicopters to ensure better monitoring. Yadav emphasized that the ‘Royal Bath’ tradition, which has been maintained since the Satya Yuga, should continue amid proper management to ensure the safety of the devotees.
He also urged devotees to exercise patience and restraint during this difficult time and complete their pilgrimage peacefully. Furthermore, Yadav advised the government to learn from the incident and make better arrangements for accommodation, food, water, and other facilities for the pilgrims. He wished a speedy recovery to all those injured in the accident.
Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also reacted to the incident, expressing her concern on X. She wrote, “The stampede at the Maha Kumbh at the confluence of Prayagraj, in which devotees lost their lives and many others were injured, is deeply sorrowful and concerning. In such difficult times, may nature grant the strength to the affected individuals to endure this pain. This is the party’s sincere wish.”
Arvind Kejriwal also commented on the incident, offering his condolences. “The stampede incident at the Maha Kumbh is extremely sad,” Kejriwal posted. “I pray for the peace of the souls of the devotees who lost their lives in this accident. May God give strength to their families to bear this immense sorrow. A humble appeal to all devotees is to maintain patience and be cautious. Follow the instructions of the administration and take care of each other’s safety.”
President of the Indian National Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge, expressed his profound sorrow over the stampede during the Maha Kumbh on the banks of Teerthraj Sangam, which claimed several lives and left many others injured. In a statement, Kharge conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the devotees and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Kharge criticized the half-hearted arrangements, pointing out that VIP movement and self-promotion were prioritized over proper management. He called this mismanagement unacceptable, especially considering the substantial funds spent. Despite the expenditure of thousands of crores, such inadequate arrangements were highly condemnable.
With several key royal baths yet to take place, Kharge urged both the central and state governments to take immediate action to improve the arrangements and prevent further unfortunate incidents. He emphasized the need for enhanced accommodations, food provisions, first aid services, and a more organized flow of devotees. He also called for curbing VIP movement, a sentiment shared by saints and sages alike.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and extended his wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the stampede at the Maha Kumbh. In his statement, Gandhi attributed the incident to mismanagement and the administration’s undue focus on facilitating VIP movement at the expense of the common devotees. He stressed that such incidents should not have occurred and called for urgent measures to improve the system to prevent any recurrence.
Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for the stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh, calling it a “very serious issue.”
He expressed his concerns over the arrangements, pointing out that the Uttar Pradesh government had invited millions of people from across the country to the event but failed to ensure proper management. Bharadwaj criticized Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath for leaving the state to attend political rallies in Delhi instead of overseeing the situation.
He referred to this as a “huge blunder” and accused the BJP government of turning a religious event into a political spectacle. Bharadwaj held both Yogi Adityanath and the administration fully responsible for the situation and demanded that the CM resign for his role in the mismanagement.
