A devastating stampede occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries among the thousands of devotees gathered for the sacred bathing rituals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound sorrow over the incident, offering his condolences to the victims’ families and the nation. He stated, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives at the Maha Kumbh Mela. My thoughts are with the bereaved families during this difficult time.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also extended his sympathies, stating, “The state government is committed to providing all necessary assistance to the affected families. We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
The stampede occurred during the early hours as millions of pilgrims surged toward the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers for the ritual bath. The overwhelming crowds led to multiple stampedes, causing chaos and panic among the pilgrims.
Authorities have implemented enhanced safety measures, including increased police presence and crowd control strategies, to manage the situation and prevent further incidents.
The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees. This year’s festival was particularly significant, with expectations of over 400 million attendees.
The tragedy has led to scenes of desperation as families search for missing loved ones amid the chaos. Religious leaders have advised pilgrims to avoid the main bathing site and seek alternative locations to perform their rituals safely.
The incident underscores the challenges of crowd management at large-scale religious events and the need for effective planning to prevent such tragedies in the future.
