A stampede broke out during the holy Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya at the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, causing panic among devotees. The situation turned chaotic as people screamed and rushed to find safety. Several people have reportedly been injured, with some in critical condition. After the incident, the administration immediately launched relief and rescue operations, and the injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
How Did the Stampede Happen? Eyewitness Accounts
Sarojini from Karnataka Shares Her Ordeal
Sarojini, who traveled to Mahakumbh with a group of nine people from Karnataka, described the horrific experience. While performing the sacred dip at Sangam, the crowd suddenly became uncontrollable, leading to pushing and shoving. She recalled, “The crowd was so massive that I felt suffocated. Some of my companions got injured. If I had known it would be like this, I would never have come.” With tears in her eyes, she immediately called her family to inform them about the distressing incident.
Jayaprakash from Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur Narrates the Horror
Jayaprakash, a devotee from Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, appeared disoriented after the incident. He described how the sudden crowd surge led to chaotic pushing and trampling. “We were six family members at the Mahakumbh. My mother got severely injured and is now in the hospital. My children also suffered minor injuries. I somehow managed to get out, but all our belongings were left behind.”
Krishna Prasad from Kolkata Witnesses the Tragedy
Krishna Prasad, a devotee from Kolkata, was present at the time of the stampede. She recounted how the crowd went berserk, leading to people falling on top of each other. “I saw four people drowning right before my eyes,” she said. Amid the chaos, she got separated from her relatives, and her valuable jewelry was stolen.
Immediate Response from Police & Administration
The police and administration officials deployed at the Mahakumbh acted swiftly to control the situation. 12 ambulances were dispatched to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. Security personnel formed a green corridor to ensure that emergency vehicles could reach hospitals without obstruction.
A senior administration officer, Akanksha Rana, assured, “The situation is now under control. Some people sustained injuries, and they are being treated. We are making every possible effort to restore normalcy as soon as possible.”
Breaking of Barricades at Sangam Noze Led to Stampede
Security officials at the fairgrounds reported that the collapse of barricades was one of the primary reasons for the stampede. As the crowd swelled, some devotees started experiencing breathing difficulties and attempted to move forward, inadvertently causing a surge that broke the barricades. However, swift intervention by the authorities prevented a much bigger disaster.
Akhadas Cancel Their Holy Bath at Sangam Noze
The 13 major Akhadas were scheduled to perform the Amrit Snan at Sangam Noze at 5 AM, but in light of the stampede, the Akhada Parishad decided to cancel the ritual. Their spokesperson stated that no further religious ceremonies would be held until the situation is completely under control.
Families in Distress, Searching for Loved Ones
Many devotees got separated from their families during the chaos. Outside the hospitals, anxious relatives are searching for their missing loved ones. A senior citizen, who initially did not reveal her injuries, later disclosed that her leg was fractured due to people falling over her. Her relatives are anxiously waiting outside the hospital, hoping to meet her.
Statement from the Mahakumbh Administration
A senior Mahakumbh official expressed regret over the incident and assured devotees that security arrangements would be further strengthened in the coming days. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all devotees. Strict crowd-control measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Situation Under Control, But Security Tightened
A few hours after the incident, the situation returned to normal. Additional security forces have been deployed at the Sangam area to ensure that such an incident does not recur. Authorities have urged devotees to remain patient and follow administrative guidelines to avoid panic and disorder.
Conclusion
The Mahakumbh, the world’s largest religious gathering, is a moment of spiritual awakening for millions. However, incidents like these highlight the urgent need for robust security measures and better emergency management. The swift action by authorities prevented further casualties, but this incident raises serious questions about crowd control strategies.
Now, all eyes are on the administration to see how they enhance security protocols in the upcoming days to ensure that devotees can experience the divine spirit of Mahakumbh without fear or danger.
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