Several people are feared dead and many more injured following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering, held in northern India’s Prayagraj. The incident took place early Wednesday morning as tens of thousands of Hindu devotees rushed to take part in ritual baths at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
Reports indicate the stampede occurred between 1 and 2 A.M. local time, coinciding with the significant Mauni Amavasya day—an occasion when many Hindus believe taking a dip can cleanse them of sins. Authorities estimated attendance for the day could reach as high as 100 million pilgrims, adding to the pressure of the large crowds at the site.
Eyewitness accounts reveal scenes of chaos as worshippers struggled to move closer to the river for their holy dip, with some reportedly jumping over barricades. "Suddenly the crowd started pushing and many people were crushed," recounted Malti Pandey, who was among the thousands present at the time.
Initial reports suggest at least 15 fatalities, with the number expected to rise as rescue operations continue. A doctor working at the festival site confirmed, "At least 15 people have died for now. Others are being treated," wishing to remain anonymous, as they are not authorized to speak to the media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the incident "extremely sad" and expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased. "My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured," Modi stated on social media.
The situation has been described as tense but under control. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, reported, "The situation is now under control, but there is a massive crowd of pilgrims," adding emphasis on the need for careful management of the large influx of people.
Tragic past incidents cast shadows over such massive gatherings; deadly stampedes have occurred at previous Kumbh Melas, with as many as 40 fatalities reported at the same festival back in 2013. Adityanath has urged pilgrims to seek alternative riverbanks for their sacred bathing rather than crowding the main site.
Aside from the fatalities, many distressed families gathered outside temporary makeshift hospitals set up to treat the injured, anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. The scene at the crash site was filled with personal belongings—clothes, blankets, and backpacks—strewn across the ground, marking the chaos of the stampede.
While local government officials have continued to deny the occurrence of a stampede, claiming the injuries were due to overcrowding, critics have already begun to question the adequacy of crowd control measures implemented this year. Rajesh Dwivedi, Senior Superintendent of Police, asserted, "There was no stampede... the situation is completely under control. No kind of rumours must be paid heed to.”
The Maha Kumbh Mela, taking place every 12 years, draws millions of Hindus seeking purification and salvation through ritual bathing. With more than 400 million attendees expected before the festival concludes on February 26, this year's event has taken on additional significance as multiple high-profile politicians and celebrities have graced the sacred gathering.
Despite the calamity, officials reported nearly 30 million people had successfully engaged in their holy baths by 8 A.M. Wednesday, indicating the festival's enduring attraction for devoted participants.
Although final death tolls have yet to be confirmed, the chaos of this incident highlights the constant challenges faced by organizers managing such immense gatherings of followers. Historical patterns of similar disasters only amplify calls for stronger safety measures as worshippers flock to experience one of Hinduism's most revered events.