PM Expresses Condolences for Devotees' Deaths in Maha Kumbh Stampede

Photo: PTI

At least 10 people are feared to have died and many others were injured after a stampede took place at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Wednesday morning. The stampede occurred when thousands of devotees, in a rush to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya, broke through barriers. This day marks the second Shahi Snan (royal bath) during the Maha Kumbh.

The stampede happened at around 2 am, as the crowd, tightly packed in the area, converged at the Sangam and other ghats, which stretch over a 12-kilometer range. Witnesses reported that several people were injured, and many families got separated due to the chaos.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident and offered his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and praised the local administration for helping the victims in every way possible.

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, explained that the stampede was triggered when some devotees jumped over the barricades. He assured the public that the situation was under control and urged everyone not to spread rumors. CM Adityanath also mentioned that there were millions of devotees at the Kumbh, with around six crore people visiting the Sangam the previous day. He emphasized that the Amrit Snan (holy dip) would proceed as planned once the crowd had thinned out.

Prime Minister Modi spoke to CM Adityanath four times following the incident, and the situation was closely monitored. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister JP Nadda also offered their support and assured all possible help from the central government.

Ambulances were immediately sent to the scene, and the injured were taken to a makeshift hospital set up in the Mela area. Authorities also appealed to the devotees to leave the Sangam area after completing their holy dip.

The Akharas, the monastic orders that are part of the Kumbh, had initially announced that the Amrit Snan would be canceled for the day following the stampede. However, Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad, stated that the Akharas would go ahead with the dip as planned once the crowds reduced. He added that the procession would be smaller than usual but would continue as scheduled. He also urged people not to spread rumors, which had caused panic and led to the stampede.

In the morning, Kailashanand Giri, a leader from the Panchayati Niranjani Akhara, said that the Akharas would perform the Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami, on February 2. Adityanath also appealed to the devotees to take their holy dip at the nearest ghat instead of going to the Sangam, where the stampede occurred.
Mauni Amavasya, the day of the incident, is considered one of the most important days for Hindus to take a holy dip in the Ganga. This year, the significance of the day was amplified by a rare celestial alignment known as 'Triveni Yog,' which occurs once every 144 years.

Over 10 crore devotees were expected to visit the Sangam on this auspicious day. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the Sangam washes away sins and brings them closer to 'moksha' or salvation. The Uttar Pradesh government had put in place strict crowd control measures to ensure smooth movement of the devotees, including no-vehicle zones and sector-wise restrictions.

The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. The Uttar Pradesh government expects around 40 crore pilgrims to attend the largest spiritual gathering in the world.

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