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Mahakumbh: Over 5.51 Million Devotees Take holy Dip At Sangam today

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: More than 45.11 lakh pilgrims have visited the Maha Kumbh as of Thursday 8 AM, according to the Uttar Pradesh Information Department. The number of Kalpwasis (devotees observing long-term religious practices) at the Sangam has exceeded 10 lakh, while the total number of pilgrims who took a holy dip on Thursday morning surpassed 55.11 lakh.

With this, the cumulative count of devotees performing snan (holy dip) at the sacred confluence since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh has now surpassed 275 million as of January 29, coinciding with Mauni Amavasya. Authorities have intensified crowd management and security measures to ensure the safety of devotees.

Stampede Tragedy at Maha Kumbh

A stampede-like situation arose in the early hours of Wednesday, leading to the tragic death of at least 30 people, with 60 others injured, according to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna. Twenty-five bodies have been identified so far.

The unfortunate incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers for the auspicious Second Shahi Snan on Mauni Amavasya. While there was a temporary halt in the movement of pilgrims, saints and devotees have resumed their spiritual journey towards Triveni Sangam in smaller processions.

Government Response and Judicial Inquiry

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial aid of ₹25 lakh for the families of the deceased. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry, stating that a three-member judicial commission, headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta, and retired IAS DK Singh, will investigate the incident and submit a report within a stipulated time frame.

“A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta, and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM’s, Chief Secretary’s, and DGP’s control rooms throughout the day,” CM Yogi Adityanath stated.

Condolences from Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured continuous assistance from the central government.

“The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones. I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government,” PM Modi posted on X.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his sorrow over the incident and confirmed being in regular contact with the Uttar Pradesh CM and local authorities.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic accident that took place at Maha Kumbh. I express my condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The administration is treating the injured in hospitals. I am in constant touch with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the local administration,” Shah posted on X.

Upcoming Events at Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include:

  • February 3 – Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
  • February 12 – Maghi Purnima
  • February 26 – Maha Shivaratri

Authorities are working to ensure strict safety measures and better crowd management in the upcoming major bathing events.

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