Prime Minister calls for immediate measures as crowd surge at Prayagraj’s Mahakumbh injures several; Akharas temporarily halt ritual baths.
New Delhi, January 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday to assess the situation at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj following a “stampede-like” incident at the Triveni Sangam Ghats. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for immediate support measures to ensure safety and crowd management.
The Incident
The chaos unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday when barriers broke, leading to injuries among devotees. Special Executive Officer Akanksha Rana stated that while the situation created panic, it was not severe, and all injured individuals are receiving medical treatment.
“On the Sangam routes, a stampede-like situation arose after some barriers broke. Some people have been injured and are under treatment. It is not a serious situation,” she told reporters.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with injured individuals being transported to Central Hospital.
Massive Crowd for Mauni Amavasya Snan
The incident occurred during the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a day expected to attract between 80 to 100 million devotees to the ghats for a holy dip. The overwhelming surge of pilgrims led to administrative challenges, prompting authorities to request Akharas to temporarily delay their ritual baths.
Akharas Pause Ritual Baths
A devotee noted that the Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara had initiated its procession, but due to safety concerns from the crowd surge, the ‘Snan’ for Mahamandaleshwars was temporarily halted.
“Some ‘Devta’ of the Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara went ahead, but due to the large crowd, the situation did not seem suitable. As a result, the Akhara has temporarily halted the ‘Snan’ for the Mahamandaleshwars,” the devotee added.
Upcoming Shahi Snan Dates
‘Mauni Amavasya,’ marking the second Shahi Snan, is one of the most significant bathing days of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Other upcoming key dates include:
- February 3: Basant Panchami (Third Shahi Snan)
- February 12: Maghi Purnima
- February 26: Maha Shivaratri
Authorities remain on high alert to manage the massive influx of devotees in the coming days.