A stampede broke out at the Sangam Nose area of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday, causing chaos as lakhs of devotees rushed for a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya.
The stampede, which was reported around 1 AM, caused several injuries and prompted the authorities to immediately call off the second Amrit Snan as a precautionary measure.
The gathering for the sacred Mauni Amavasya bath made the situation at the Sangam Nose uncontrollable. When thousands of devotees surged forward together, the rush turned to a stampede, and many were left injured in the disturbance. Authorities responded promptly by enforcing crowd-control measures and deploying additional security forces across key entry and exit points.
Amrit Snan canceled
The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) had decided to call off the Amrit Snan after discussing the matter with the administration. ABAP president Shri Mahant Ravindra Puri confirmed this decision, saying,“The administration has requested us not to proceed for Amrit Snan, and we are staying back despite being ready for the procession. In the larger public interest, all Akharas have agreed not to go for the Snan today.”
According to sources, the Mela administration is still negotiating with ABAP about the bathing schedule. Earlier, Puri stated that he was disappointed by the turn of events and said, "We are deeply saddened by what happened at Sangam Nose. This is an act of sacrifice from our side as we had been eagerly waiting for this rare occasion after 144 years. But we will now bathe on the third Amrit Snan on February 3."
Many prominent religious leaders have made an appeal before devotees and asked them to avoid crowding at Sangam Nose and, instead, take a dip at an alternative ghat.
Spiritual leader Jagatguru Rambhadracharya said, “The river Ganga is the same everywhere. Devotees should take the dip at the nearest ghat instead of insisting on reaching the Sangam.”
In this regard, Anand Akhara Balakanand Puri Acharya Mahamandelshwar said the entire Maha Kumbh area is holy, and thus people should take more care instead of following any particular tradition.
Famous Kathavachak Devkinandan Thakur also urged the devotees to disperse at other places for holy baths in order to avoid more mishaps in the future.
After the accident, overall security at the Maha Kumbh grounds has been tightened. Heavy police and paramilitary deployment has been made at critical points, including entry and exit zones near the Sangam, to regulate the crowd and prevent further such incidents.
District Magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand has been patrolling the area to oversee the safety of devotees and ensure effective crowd management.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the situation and directed immediate support measures for the affected people. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also called the UP CM, stating that he will provide full support in managing the crisis coming from the Centre.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people had assembled outside the hospital set up in Maha Kumbh Sector 2 where the injured were rushed for medical aid. Authorities are providing necessary treatment to those affected, ensuring swift medical response to prevent further casualties.
Though there is a temporary halt on the second Amrit Snan, the Maha Kumbh's bathing schedule remains largely intact. The next major bathing event is set to take place on Basant Panchami, which falls on February 3. This day marks the third Amrit Snan, and preparations are underway to ensure a safe and organized experience for devotees.
According to the Uttar Pradesh government’s plan, various Akharas were scheduled to begin their ceremonial procession at 4 AM, with each group allotted specific time slots for the ritual bath. With enhanced security measures now in place, authorities are working closely with religious leaders to facilitate a smoother flow of devotees for upcoming events.
The Maha Kumbh, an event that draws millions from across the country and beyond, continues to be a major spiritual congregation.