Maha Kumbh Mela, a pilgrimage of immense spiritual significance, draws millions of devotees to the confluence of sacred rivers.
1). It’s a spectacle of faith, a vibrant tapestry of humanity.
2). Yet, beneath the surface of devotion lies a darker reality, one where poor planning, gross mismanagement, and a pervasive VIP entitlement culture can transform a sacred gathering into a scene of tragedy. The deadly stampede that married a recent Maha Kumbh serves as a stark reminder of these systemic failures and their devastating consequences.
A stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela underway in Prayagraj has led to deaths and injuries, although the number of casualties is so far unclear.
The stampede took place in the early hours of Wednesday (January 29), a day huge crowds were flocking to the riverbank for the ritual dip. This was because January 29 is Mauni Amavasya, one of the days considered very auspicious for taking a bath at the Kumbh Mela. PTI had reported that 10 crore pilgrims were expected to make their way to the Maha Kumbh in just a day on January 29.
At least 30 people have been killed in a stampede at the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, in northern India, officials said.
Another 60 people were injured, police said. It took several days for the official death toll to come out, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling party of a lack of transparency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to those who lost loved ones. Many pilgrims are still seeking news from relatives and friends.
Police said 90 injured people had been taken to hospitals. “Unfortunately, 30 of those devotees have died,” senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna told a news conference on Wednesday evening.
He said 25 of the dead had been identified.
Chief Minister’s Response
Following the stampede, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued multiple guidelines focusing on crowd control, traffic management, and inter-departmental coordination. The Chief Minister ordered a review of the Maha Kumbh arrangements by the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP).
The ADG and the District Magistrate of Prayagraj have been directed to ensure a safe and smooth departure of all devotees from the city.
In a late-night video conference, the Mr Adityanath addressed senior police officers and officials from multiple districts, including Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mirzapur, Basti, Jaunpur, and Rae Bareli, among others.
Maha Kumbh Mela Live Link
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kumbh Mela?
The Kumbh Mela happens every 12 years at Sangam, the confluence of three sacred rivers – the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Hindus believe bathing in the sacred waters will cleanse them of sins and help them attain salvation.
While the holy bath is the main draw, the event is also a vibrant carnival of faith, where people from all walks of life, including ascetics, politicians, and celebrities, converge to celebrate.
Crowds from all over the country – and the world – have been arriving in Prayagraj to participate in the festival which began on 13 January and will go on until 26 February. Some have come alone, others with their family, including children and the elderly.
What are the special ‘snan’ days at the Kumbh?
In the ongoing Kumbh, Makar Sankranti was the first Amrit snan (earlier called shahi snan) day, and Mauni Amavasya the second. The third is Vasant Panchami on February 3. Shiv Ratri, which falls on February 26, the last day of the Kumbh Mela, is also significant.
What is Mauni Amavasya?
Mauni Amavasya is the new moon night of the Krishna paksha (the waning moon fortnight) of the Hindu month of Magh. On this day, both the Sun and Moon are in the same ratio of Makar (Capricorn), which makes it astrologically significant. Maun means silence, and on Mauni Amavasya, it is believed that observing silence, at least till before one takes a bath, is beneficial.
What is the significance of the Maha Kumbh Mela?
Maha Kumbh Mela is a celebration of spirituality, faith, and devotion. Devotees believe that sins will be removed if they take holy baths in the rivers.
What is “Akhara” in Kumbh Mela?
Akharas are different groups of saints who follow different rituals and lifestyles to worship God. Some of the famous Akharas are Juna, Digambar, and Nirmohi.
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