A series of alarming incidents at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has raised concerns about safety and management as several fires erupted and traffic chaos ensued due to the influx of devotees. Fires, which have now become frequent at the event, add to the challenges faced by organizers and local authorities as they strive to accommodate millions seeking to partake in the revered Hindu pilgrimage.
On Friday, February 7, 2025, a fire broke out at the ISKCON camp near Mahakumbh Nagar, resulting in significant damage to approximately 20-22 tents but, fortunately, no reported injuries. According to Inspector Yogesh Chaturvedi from Khak Chowk police station, firefighters were quick to respond, bringing the blaze under control. “The fire incident has completely been controlled by the fire brigades,” wrote DIG (Maha Kumbh) Vaibhav Krishna on X, assuring the public there were no casualties. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This latest fire marks the third incident within the event's short duration. On January 19, another fire occurred due to a gas cylinder explosion, which also resulted in extensive property damage without casualties. Just days later, on January 25, two cars caught fire due to electrical short circuits in the Mela area. With rising temperatures and high attendances, officials are concerned about the increased risk of similar incidents.
More troubling were the events of January 29, when a tragic stampede claimed 30 lives and left 60 others injured at the Mela. Following this calamity, the Uttar Pradesh government announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased and initiated judicial inquiries to ascertain the causes behind the deadly crowd surge. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the need for thorough investigations and accountability, recognizing the shortcomings without compromising the sanctity of the Kumbh.
Meanwhile, the logistical side of the Maha Kumbh has also faced obstacles. An influx of over 1.25 crore (12.5 million) devotees over the past two days, especially following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Triveni Sangam on February 5, led to severe traffic jams across Sangam city as devotees flocked to take their holy baths. Most pilgrims, arriving from states including Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Bihar, utilized personal vehicles, exacerbated by poorly coordinated traffic management.
“Over 1.25 crore devotees flocked to the mela area... causing long hours of jams and chaos on the streets,” said a Mela official. Mela policemen and local law enforcement had to implement diversions and coordinate with neighboring districts to manage the crowds as vehicle congestion became severe. Deputy SP of traffic noted, “A large number of pilgrims and devotees coming in their vehicles caused the jam-like situation.”
The traffic situation prompted immediate action measures to streamline vehicle flow and manage the expected increase over the weekend. Many motorists with out-of-state registrations were directed to designated parking areas to ease the pressure on the main routes leading to Mela. Responding to previous incidents and forecasted surges, police forces have bolstered their presence at key intersections.
While the organization of the Maha Kumbh has always been monumental, this year has exhibited severe shortcomings amid extraordinarily high participation. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav criticized the government for allegedly downplaying the deaths and mismanagement during the stampede, echoing the call for scrutiny and transparency. He demanded the government disclose accurate figures of casualties, the condition of treatment offered, and other logistical discussions surrounding the event, criticizing the handling of the Kumbh progression by the administration.
Akhilesh asserted, “The government is continuously reeling out budget numbers, please also give the numbers of those who died.” His remarks resonate with many who believe accountability is pivotal to future safety at such significant events. He suggested the involvement of the Army for efficient disaster management and called for all-party discussions over the arrangements related to public safety during the Mela.
Despite the incidents, the Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is set to continue until February 26, with significant upcoming dates such as February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). Authorities and incident responders are likely to remain on high alert as they anticipate larger crowds and will be working to adapt and improve safety protocols as the event progresses.
With the Kumbh being one of the largest religious congregations globally, ensuring the safety and security of devotees remains imperative for the Uttar Pradesh government and local officials as they navigate the complex logistics of the festival.