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Stampede at Sangam
A stampede occurred in the Sangam Nose area of Mahakumbh in Prayagraj between 11 PM and 1 AM on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, as thousands of devotees hurried to partake in the sacred bath during the significant event of Mauni Amavasya.
Numerous people sustained injuries amid the turmoil. In response to the situation, authorities have temporarily halted the second Amrit Snan as a precautionary measure.
Akhara suspends Amrit Snan
— The Squirrels (@thesquirrelsin) January 29, 2025
This sadhu says the government is not to blame!#MahakumbhStampede #MahaKumbh2025 pic.twitter.com/zKzZRMaaai
A substantial police presence has been established at critical entry and exit points to manage the crowd effectively.
Suspension of Amrit Snan by Akharas
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) has opted to suspend the Amrit Snan following consultations with the local administration.
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.”
Sources indicate that the Mela administration is currently engaged in discussions with ABAP concerning the Snan. Previously, Puri expressed, "We are profoundly saddened by the events that transpired at Sangam Nose. This represents a significant sacrifice on our part, as we had been eagerly anticipating this rare event for 144 years. However, we will now participate in the third Amrit Snan on February 3."
A devotee laments the loss of lives* due to the stampede at Sangam. He says he lost his uncle.
— The Squirrels (@thesquirrelsin) January 29, 2025
*No reported death officially confirmed.#MahakumbhStampede #MahaKumbh2025 pic.twitter.com/ndYkT7ixVg
Religious leaders have called upon devotees to refrain from overcrowding at Sangam Nose and to instead partake in a holy dip at the nearby ghats.
Jagatguru Rambhadracharya urged devotees, stating, “The river Ganga is the same everywhere. Devotees should take the dip at the nearest ghat rather than insisting on reaching the Sangam.”
Acharya Mahamandelshwar of Anand Akhara, Balakanand Puri, shared similar views, highlighting that the entire Kumbh Mela area possesses the same spiritual significance as Sangam.
Renowned storyteller Devkinandan Thakur has also encouraged devotees to avoid overcrowding and to take a dip at the nearest ghat.
Enhanced security measures
A significant police presence, along with paramilitary forces, has been established at the entry and exit points near the Sangam to manage the crowd effectively.
These devotees say the #MahakumbhStampede occurred because there were only two road outlets for the crowd to leave Sangam!
— The Squirrels (@thesquirrelsin) January 29, 2025
Disclaimer
No death that some devotees are reporting has been confirmed officially so far. pic.twitter.com/8YFuGMRsCX
Maha Kumbh Mela District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand has been actively patrolling the area to ensure the safety of the devotees.
Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have communicated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, offering their full support following the charge at the Sangam.
Prime Minister Modi has been closely observing the developments at the Mahakumbh and is in regular contact with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi.
Having engaged in discussions with the chief minister multiple times, the prime minister has stressed the importance of immediate support measures and the swift restoration of normalcy, while also ensuring timely assistance for those impacted.
Union Home Minister Shah contacted Chief Minister Yogi following a stampede-like incident at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya festivities. Shah iterated the Centre's commitment to providing full support in managing the situation.
In response, Chief Minister Yogi has called on devotees to refrain from spreading rumors and to adhere to the guidance issued by the authorities.
The state government has established a specialised war room for the upcoming 2025 Mahakumbh, where essential officials, including the chief secretary, director general of police, principal secretary for home affairs, representatives from the chief minister's office, and the additional director general of law and order, are collaborating to ensure effective management and to address any potential issues.
Additionally, he urged devotees to consider taking a dip at the nearest ghat rather than proceeding to the Sangam Nose to help alleviate overcrowding.
A massive crowd assembled outside the hospital established in Maha Kumbh Sector 2, where individuals injured in the stampede were receiving medical care.
The bathing schedule for the Maha Kumbh remains largely unchanged. The next significant bathing occasion is scheduled for Basant Panchami (February 3), which coincides with the third Amrit Snan.
In accordance with the Uttar Pradesh government’s timetable, various Akharas are set to commence their processions as early as 4 AM, with each group allotted a specific time for their ceremonial bath.
Police forces have been deployed, and the Super 20 team is overseeing crowd management as devotees partake in their holy dip.
Authorities have stationed police personnel at seven fixed points along the corridor route to manage the influx of devotees during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
The "Super 20" team, tasked with crowd control at the ghats, is urging pilgrims to clear the area after completing their holy dip.
Prominent seers from the Juna, Agni, and Aawahan Akharas have opted to return to their camps and will perform their holy dip later in the day at the nearest ghat.
The administration has established temporary ghats along a 12 km stretch of the Ganga to accommodate the influx of devotees.
Akhara leaders have decided to delay their procession and instead engage in a symbolic bathing ritual.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdeshanand Giri of Juna Akhara, accompanied by Baba Ramdev and BJP MP Hema Malini from Mathura, performed a sacred dip at the nearest ghat.
The acharya arrived without a large procession, conducted a puja at the riverbank, and presented a saree to Ma Ganga.
A government representative clarified that the akharas have not cancelled their bathing rituals altogether but have postponed it to later in the day.
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Juna Akhara indicated that the akhara will forgo the procession and will instead partake in a symbolic bathing ceremony.
Ravindra Puri, president of Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, remarked, "Once the number of devotees decreases and space becomes available, the Akharas will proceed with the Amrit Snan."
Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri remarked that there has been a noticeable decline in the crowd size, prompting ongoing discussions with the Mela administration. He expressed a desire to proceed with the 'snan' if the crowd continues to diminish, noting that the 'snan' had been postponed earlier in the day. Efforts are being made to restore normalcy, after which coordination with the Mela administration will take place to facilitate the 'snan'.
ABAP President Ravindra Puri indicated that the Akharas plan to undertake the Amrit Snan after 10 AM, contingent upon an evaluation of the number of devotees present at the Sangam Nose.
In light of reports concerning a panic-like situation during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations, spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur has called for calm among the attendees.
ABAP President Mahant Ravindra Puri remarked that there has been a noticeable decline in the crowd size, prompting ongoing discussions with the Mela administration. He expressed a desire to proceed with the 'snan' if the number of attendees continues to diminish. The 'snan' was initially postponed in the morning, and efforts are being made to restore normalcy. Once the situation stabilizes, coordination with the Mela administration will take place to facilitate the 'snan'.
Puri indicated that the Akharas plan to undertake the Amrit Snan after 10 AM, contingent upon an evaluation of the crowd situation at the Sangam Nose.
Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur has called for tranquility in light of reports concerning a stampede-like incident at Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya festivities.
"I have just returned from a dip in the Ganga and received information about a fright at Sangam. I urge everyone to remain composed, as the area is currently very congested. I opted to bathe in the Ganga instead of Sangam for this reason, and I still experienced the same spiritual benefits. Please refrain from believing in rumors, as the authorities are managing the situation. I strongly advise against bringing elderly individuals and children to Sangam at this time," he stated.
Following the 'shanti puja' conducted for the victims of the stampede, Chidanand Saraswati Maharaj, the Head of Parmarth Niketan, addressed the incident, underscoring the critical need for safety during such events. He stated that all scheduled programs have been canceled and urged individuals to focus their prayers on those affected by the tragedy, regardless of their location. He emphasized that gathering at Sangam for the holy dip is unnecessary at this time, encouraging devotees to perform the holy dip wherever they may be. He remarked that the safety of individuals is the primary form of worship at this moment. Furthermore, Saraswati Maharaj acknowledged the swift action taken by the Prime Minister, noting that Prime Minister Modi had communicated with Chief Minister Yogi on two occasions regarding the matter. He reassured the large assembly that a 'shanti puja' had been conducted for peace and the well-being of all.
The administration of the mela is actively working to clear the barricaded area at Sangam Nose, which was specifically allocated for the bathing of akharas. Once the area has been cleaned and cleared by the sanitation staff, the akharas will be permitted to proceed for the Amrit Snan.
Swami Chidanand Saraswati has also announced the cancellation of the 'samoohik snan' (collective dip) in light of the stampede incident at the Mahakumbh. He conveyed his profound concern regarding the situation and informed all attendees at their camp about the decision to cancel the collective dip.
Devotees were instead encouraged to take a dip at the nearest Ganga Ghat for their safety. He underscored that the health and service of the public should take precedence at this time. Swami Saraswati also noted that prayers had been offered for those injured and highlighted that Prime Minister Modi had communicated with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi twice within the last hour, maintaining ongoing dialogue.
He commended the swift actions of the administration and confirmed that all scheduled programs had been canceled, with the group now proceeding to Sangam to engage directly with the public and the victims.
Opposition condemns crowd mismanagement
Political leaders express condolences and call for immediate measures following the Maha Kumbh crash.
Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav expressed his grief regarding the stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which resulted in fatalities, describing the event as profoundly troubling.
In a message shared on the social media platform 'X', he extended his sympathies and urged the government to take prompt action. Yadav called on the authorities to ensure that those seriously injured are swiftly transported to the nearest hospitals via air ambulances and receive urgent medical care. He also requested the identification of the deceased and their return to their families.
Furthermore, he highlighted the necessity of efforts to reunite individuals who have been separated and advocated for increased aerial surveillance to enhance monitoring. Yadav stressed that the tradition of the 'Royal Bath,' upheld since the Satya Yuga, should persist with appropriate management to guarantee the safety of the devotees.
He also encouraged devotees to practice patience and self-restraint during this challenging period and to complete their pilgrimage in a peaceful manner. Additionally, Yadav recommended that the government take lessons from this incident to improve provisions for accommodation, food, water, and other essential services for the pilgrims. He expressed his hopes for a swift recovery for all those injured in the incident.
In a related response, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati expressed her concerns regarding the event on X. She stated, "The stampede at the Maha Kumbh at the confluence of Prayagraj, which resulted in the loss of lives and injuries to many, is profoundly tragic and alarming. In these trying times, may nature provide the affected individuals with the strength to endure this suffering. This is the heartfelt wish of our party."
Arvind Kejriwal also shared his thoughts on the incident, extending his condolences. "The stampede at the Maha Kumbh is profoundly saddening," Kejriwal remarked. "I pray for the souls of the devotees who lost their lives in this tragedy. May God grant their families the strength to cope with this immense grief. I humbly urge all devotees to remain patient and vigilant. Please adhere to the administration's guidance and look out for one another's safety."
Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress, expressed his deep sorrow regarding the scattering that occurred during the Maha Kumbh at Teerthraj Sangam, which resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. In his statement, Kharge offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished for the rapid recovery of those injured.
Kharge criticized the inadequate arrangements, highlighting that the focus on VIP movement and self-promotion overshadowed effective management. He deemed this mismanagement unacceptable, particularly in light of the significant funds allocated. Despite the expenditure of thousands of crores, the substandard arrangements were highly reprehensible.
Kharge has called upon both the central and state governments to take prompt measures to enhance the arrangements for the upcoming key royal baths, in order to avert any further unfortunate occurrences. He highlighted the necessity for improved accommodations, food services, first aid provisions, and a more systematic management of the influx of devotees. Additionally, he advocated for the restriction of VIP movement, a viewpoint that resonates with the sentiments of saints and sages.