At least 30 individuals were killed and many more injured during a stampede at India’s Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, as millions of devotees converged for the ritual bathing at the confluence of three sacred rivers. The incident occurred on January 29, 2025, around 4 AM local time, prompting outrage and scrutiny over crowd management at the event.
Eyewitnesses reported chaos as large crowds surged forward, attempting to jump over barricades set by authorities to control the flow of pilgrims. State authorities confirmed the stampede took place at various locations near the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, which are considered holy. "There were people lying all around, I don’t know if they were dead or alive," recounted Vijay Kumar, who attended the festival.
The state’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the media following the tragedy, stating, “The crush occurred after pilgrims rushed to participate in the early morning bathing rituals.” By 8 AM, local time, approximately 30 million people had reportedly taken their holy dip, with officials expecting about 100 million attendees throughout the day, deemed extremely auspicious due to the rare celestial alignment marking Mauni Amavasya.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which translates as the “Festival of the Sacred Pitcher,” draws hundreds of millions of attendees every 12 years. This year’s event began on January 13 and will continue for six weeks, with overall expectations topping 400 million attendees.
"When the crowd surged, elderly people and women were crushed, and no one came forward to help," recalled Renu Devi, who was nearby when the stampede occurred. Unfortunately, many families were seen searching frantically for loved ones outside temporary medical facilities, highlighting the desperate human cost of the tragedy.
Local hospitals have been overwhelmed with casualties. Reports indicate over 90 people are injured, with distressing scenes captured as emergency teams worked tirelessly to treat those affected. Authorities have faced criticism for their management of the situation; opposition leader Rahul Gandhi condemned what he termed “VIP culture” during the rituals, calling for more attention to regular devotees, as opposed to VIP arrangements.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims and their families on social media, describing the aftermath as "extremely sad" and confirming his administration's response to manage the incident effectively.
The Uttar Pradesh government had allocated around $765 million (approximately Rs 64 billion) to support the Kumbh Mela, ensuring the setup of extensive facilities to accommodate pilgrims, which included over 150,000 tents and about 3,000 kitchens along the festival site. Police forces totaling over 40,000 have been deployed, alongside drones and AI technology for surveillance, amid fears of overcrowding.
Despite these measures, the tragic stampede starkly contrasts the state's preparations, raising pressing questions about the logistics of managing such massive gatherings. This year's event's significance is underscored by the significant semblance to past Kumbh Melas, which have also faced horrific incidents, such as the stampede at the railway station during the 2013 festival where at least 36 people lost their lives.
Many questions remain unanswered about the crowd dynamics and safety protocols at the Kumbh Mela. A senior police officer attempted to downplay the incident, attributing injuries to routine overcrowding rather than any specific stampede, yet the rise of casualties emphasizes the need for improved crowd control measures.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, conducted every 12 years at four rotating sites, sees massive participation as devotees come to cleanse themselves ceremonially. This year, the specific occurrence on Mauni Amavasya was particularly significant due to the alignment of celestial bodies—a rare phenomenon believed to purify and absolve sins for those who bathe during this auspicious time.
With such large crowds lining the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna, managing the influx effectively is imperative. Following this tragic event, the government faces mounting pressure to revisit its protocols and security measures to protect the devotees and prevent any future tragedies at such significant religious gatherings.
The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela was intended to be a celebration of faith for millions, but has become marred by tragedy, leaving families mourning lost loved ones and raising important questions about public safety at large-scale events.