Casualties Feared After Barrier Breaks Amid Maha Kumbh at Sangam in UP
January 29, 2025, New Delhi: A “stampede-like” situation at the Sangam in Prayagraj during the ongoing Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, January 29, has raised fears of multiple casualties.
The tragedy happened as tens of thousands of pilgrims thronged the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers for the holy Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, one of the festival's most significant days.
According to officials, the chaos unfolded when a barrier broke at the main bathing point, causing a crush among devotees. Akanksha Rana, the Officer on Special Duty for the Mela, stated, “Some people have got injured and have been hospitalised after a barrier broke at the Sangam. We are yet to have the exact count of those injured.”
The Hindustan Times reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had called Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the situation and ensure swift action.
CM Adityanath has instructed authorities to prioritise rescue and medical efforts.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing and tragic scene at the riverbank, with belongings such as shoes, blankets, and backpacks scattered across the area.
According to social media reports from Prayagraj, the stampede began around 2:30 am as devotees with heavy luggage on their heads struggled to navigate the crowded space.
“The problem was mainly due to the fact that the crowd had no idea where to go after bathing. There were a large number of iron dustbins that could not be seen by pilgrims. A few people fell as they lost balance, leading to panic,” the eyewitness said, as reported by media.
A BBC report painted a grim picture of the aftermath, with listless bodies seen amidst the scattered belongings. One witness told the BBC, “I saw one woman walking in front of a stretcher in tears, clearly bereft. Another man walked beside a stretcher, trying to cover the body with a shawl.”
Despite the organizers suspending the ritual bathing, tens of thousands of devotees continued to attempt the holy dip at the confluence.
In response to the incident, authorities have made announcements urging pilgrims to avoid the Sangam and instead bathe at alternative locations along the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, confirmed that the Shahi Snan, or royal bath, was suspended following the tragedy. “You would've seen what happened in the morning. All of our saints and seers were ready for the holy dip when we were informed about this incident. That’s why we have decided to call off our bath,” he said.
The ritualistic bathing, known for its colourful processions of ash-smeared Sadhus and massive faith, is a major draw for millions of pilgrims who travel from across the globe for the blessings of saints and holy dip at a specific time.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation of the number of fatalities or injuries. Authorities have urged devotees not to put additional pressure on police personnel by attempting to access the crowded Sangam.
With the Maha Kumbh expected to attract around 10 crore pilgrims, the tragedy highlights the challenges of managing one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.