Tragic Stampede at Maha Kumbh Festival: Several Lives Lost in India’s Grand Gathering

PRAYAGRAJ, India — A tragic stampede during the Maha Kumbh festival has left many people feared dead and numerous others injured. The festival, which attracts tens of thousands of Hindus for ritual baths in sacred rivers, turned chaotic early Wednesday as pilgrims rushed toward the water.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to those who lost loved ones. While he didn’t specify the number of casualties, authorities are still assessing the situation.

The stampede occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., as pilgrims attempted to bypass barricades set up for the movement of religious leaders, according to Uttar Pradesh’s top official, Yogi Adityanath. Although he did not mention specific casualties at the time, local news sources reported that around ten people may have died.

Families seeking missing relatives gathered outside a makeshift hospital as rescuers aided the injured. Personal belongings such as clothes and backpacks were scattered around the incident site, adding to the distress. The cause of the panic remains unclear.

Adityanath stated that the situation is now under control, but the crowd was still overwhelming, with estimates of up to 100 million pilgrims expected to attend. He noted that by 8 a.m. Wednesday, around 30 million people had already bathed in the holy waters.

Wednesday held special significance during the six-week festival, particularly as millions believe that bathing at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers can cleanse them of sins and help them escape the cycle of reincarnation. Many pilgrims were drawn by the impressive processions of ash-smeared ascetics heading towards the water.

Despite police urging people to avoid the confluence’s busy areas, the crowds continued to swell. Adityanath suggested that pilgrims consider bathing at other riverbanks instead.

The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, began on January 13. It is recognized as the largest religious gathering globally, with authorities expecting over 400 million visitors this time around. So far, nearly 150 million attendees have come, including notable figures like Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and celebrities such as Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

The riverbanks have been transformed into a vast tent city, featuring roads, electricity, water, and thousands of kitchens and hospitals to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. Over 50,000 security personnel are present to maintain order, along with 2,500 cameras monitoring the crowd to prevent dangerous situations.

Unfortunately, deadly stampedes have occurred before at large gatherings in India. In 2013, at least 40 pilgrims lost their lives in a similar incident at a train station during the Kumbh festival in Prayagraj.