At least 15 people lost their lives, and many others were injured following a stampede at the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, northern India.
The tragic incident occurred as massive crowds gathered for the world’s largest religious festival, where millions of Hindu devotees had traveled to take a ritual dip in the sacred rivers.
A Festival Marred by Tragedy
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as worshippers surged towards the riverbanks.
> “I was sitting near a barricade when people started pushing and shoving. Suddenly, the entire crowd collapsed on top of me,” said 48-year-old pilgrim Renu Devi.
Rescue teams rushed to the site, navigating through piles of abandoned shoes, clothing, and personal belongings to assist the injured. Authorities reported that several elderly worshippers and women were trampled in the crush.
Emergency Response and Security Measures
Police and medical teams worked through the night to manage the crisis. A local hospital confirmed the deaths but noted that official government confirmation was still pending.
Meanwhile, security officials patrolled the festival grounds, using loudspeakers to urge devotees to avoid overcrowding and bathe at alternative locations.
> “We humbly request all devotees to cooperate with security personnel and avoid the main bathing site,” an official announced.
Despite increased surveillance, including hundreds of cameras and drones, crowd control remains a significant challenge at the Kumbh Mela.
With up to 400 million people expected before the festival concludes on February 26, authorities fear more such incidents could occur.
History of Deadly Stampedes
The Kumbh Mela has a history of tragic crowd accidents. In 1954, over 400 people were killed in a single-day stampede, making it one of the deadliest in history.
More recently, in 2013, 36 pilgrims lost their lives in a similar incident.
While the festival is rooted in Hindu mythology—celebrating the battle between deities and demons for the nectar of immortality—its growing scale poses increasing risks.
Will authorities be able to prevent further tragedies as the festival continues? Only time will tell.
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