A tragic stampede broke out at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj during the sacred Mauni Amavasya bath on Wednesday, leaving at least 10 people feared dead and several others injured. The incident took place around 2 AM as massive crowds gathered at the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers—for the holy dip.
According to eyewitnesses, the chaos unfolded after a barrier collapsed, leading to an uncontrollable rush that resulted in many devotees being trapped and trampled. Rescue operations are currently underway, with emergency teams working to assist those affected. The injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.
Recurring Tragedies at the Kumbh Mela
The Kumbh Mela, considered the largest religious gathering in the world, has witnessed multiple stampedes in the past, each leading to heartbreaking loss of lives.
- 1954 (Allahabad, now Prayagraj): One of the deadliest incidents in Kumbh Mela history, where nearly 800 people lost their lives in a stampede during Mauni Amavasya. The tragedy occurred due to overcrowding, as scores of devotees attempted to reach the riverbanks.
- 1986 (Haridwar): A stampede in Haridwar claimed at least 200 lives when security forces restricted access to the riverbank for VIP movements, triggering panic among restless pilgrims.
- 2003 (Nashik): During the Kumbh Mela in Nashik, a stampede at the Godavari River killed at least 39 people, mostly women, while over 100 were injured.
- 2013 (Allahabad Railway Station): A tragic footbridge collapse at Allahabad railway station during the Kumbh Mela led to a stampede that killed 42 people and injured 45 others. The panic ensued as returning pilgrims scrambled for safety amid a chaotic rush.
- 2025 (Prayagraj): The latest incident occurred on January 31, as lakhs of devotees gathered for the Shahi Snan. Despite extensive preparations, the sheer volume of pilgrims created an overwhelming situation, resulting in the disaster.
Political Reactions and Rescue Efforts
The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated high-level rescue and relief operations. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure swift medical aid and implement stricter crowd-control measures.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have criticized the administration, alleging mismanagement and lack of adequate security arrangements. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the government, stating that the tragedy could have been prevented with better planning. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has demanded air ambulances for the critically injured and a high-level investigation into the incident.
With millions of devotees still expected to arrive in the coming days, authorities are now under intense pressure to tighten security, regulate crowd movements, and prevent further tragedies.
