New Delhi [India], January 29: Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday after a stampede-like situation occurred at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Mahakumbh Mela, offering all possible support from the Centre.
The incident unfolded as lakhs of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most significant days of the Mahakumbh Mela. The overwhelming crowd led to a chaotic situation, with witnesses reporting panic and a rush of devotees struggling to maintain balance.
Security personnel quickly intervened to prevent any casualties, and no major injuries were reported at the scene. After being informed of the situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah immediately contacted CM Yogi Adityanath to assess the situation and assured him that the Centre would provide all necessary support for managing the crowd and ensuring the safety of the pilgrims.
In response, local authorities, including police and disaster response teams, have been deployed to regulate the crowd and ensure smooth proceedings. The administration has urged devotees to stay calm, adhere to safety protocols, and avoid rumors.
The Mahakumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings globally, draws millions of pilgrims seeking spiritual purification. With the scale of the event, crowd management remains a key challenge despite extensive security measures. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely to prevent any further incidents.
Meanwhile, CM Yogi Adityanath has advised devotees to take a dip at their nearest ghat and avoid crowding near the Sangam Nose area. He has urged them to cooperate with the authorities and follow their instructions for a safe experience.
Injured individuals are being treated at the hospital set up in Sector 2 of the Mela area.