A surge of attendees at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has resulted in a tragic stampede, raising concerns over the safety measures at the world's largest religious festival.
Tragedy Strikes as Devotees Trampled at Massive Hindu Festival in India
Tragedy Strikes as Devotees Trampled at Massive Hindu Festival in India
Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela leaves injuries and deaths feared among millions of pilgrims gathered to bathe in sacred rivers.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, known for its immense gathering of Hindu devotees, turned tragic on Wednesday morning in Prayagraj, India, as millions rushed to the sacred confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers on an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Eyewitness accounts report that some individuals, many of whom were resting on the ground, were trampled during the chaotic rush, leading to injuries and deaths feared by officials.
The event, dubbed the “Maha” or Great Kumbh, occurs only once every 12 years. Hindus believe that taking a holy dip at this confluence, along with the waters of the mythical Sarasvati river, can cleanse them of sins and grant them salvation. This year many more attendees were anticipated due to favorable astrological alignments, with the Uttar Pradesh government estimating around 400 million pilgrims to attend the six-week festival.
In preparation for the massive influx of people, the government constructed a temporary city along the Ganges to accommodate the pilgrims, complete with tents, toilets, streets, pontoon bridges, and waste management systems. Following a deadly incident during the 2013 Kumbh Mela, where 42 people died in a stampede, authorities had enhanced safety protocols and introduced advanced monitoring technology to help manage crowd flows more effectively.
However, despite improved organizational efforts, officials faced challenges in maintaining order as some festival staff actively encouraged crowds to move toward the bathing areas. This prompted a rapid increase in attendees before the areas could be effectively cleared by police.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are actively working to address the unfolding crisis at this significant religious event.
The event, dubbed the “Maha” or Great Kumbh, occurs only once every 12 years. Hindus believe that taking a holy dip at this confluence, along with the waters of the mythical Sarasvati river, can cleanse them of sins and grant them salvation. This year many more attendees were anticipated due to favorable astrological alignments, with the Uttar Pradesh government estimating around 400 million pilgrims to attend the six-week festival.
In preparation for the massive influx of people, the government constructed a temporary city along the Ganges to accommodate the pilgrims, complete with tents, toilets, streets, pontoon bridges, and waste management systems. Following a deadly incident during the 2013 Kumbh Mela, where 42 people died in a stampede, authorities had enhanced safety protocols and introduced advanced monitoring technology to help manage crowd flows more effectively.
However, despite improved organizational efforts, officials faced challenges in maintaining order as some festival staff actively encouraged crowds to move toward the bathing areas. This prompted a rapid increase in attendees before the areas could be effectively cleared by police.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are actively working to address the unfolding crisis at this significant religious event.
