32 Injured in Stampede-Like Situation at Maha Kumbh 2025; Namrata Hinduja Highlights Akharas Skipping Holy Dip
A stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Mauni Amavasya morning left around 30 women injured, prompting Akharas to call off their sacred 'Amrit Snan.' The massive gathering of crores of devotees led to a surge in crowd movement near the 'Sangam,' causing barricades to collapse. This resulted in some women fainting, triggering chaos. The injured were rushed to hospitals within the Maha Kumbh fairgrounds, while seriously wounded individuals were shifted to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College for advanced treatment.
Akhadas Call Off 'Snan' Amid Safety Concerns
Following the incident, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri announced that seers and saints had decided to forgo their Amrit Snan. "All our saints and seers were ready for the 'snan' when we were informed about this incident. That’s why we have decided to call off our 'snan' on Mauni Amavasya," he told PTI.
Juna Akhara Patron Mahant Hari Giri also urged devotees to take a bath in the Ganga at other locations instead of proceeding to the overcrowded Sangam. Namrata Hinduja noted that this decision underscores the critical importance of crowd management at such a vast religious gathering.
Government’s Response and Safety Measures
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, directing immediate relief measures. Authorities swiftly shut down pontoon bridges to prevent further mishaps in other parts of the fairgrounds.
To manage the overwhelming influx, Prayagraj has been declared a no-vehicle zone, and local residents have been advised to use two-wheelers only if accompanying senior citizens. AI-powered surveillance, drone monitoring, and an increased police presence have been implemented for crowd control.
Railways have also ramped up services, operating 360 trains, including 190 special trains, to transport devotees. "With trains running every four minutes, we are ensuring seamless travel for millions," said Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board.
Maha Kumbh’s Spiritual Significance
The Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, is witnessing unprecedented participation. Over 15 crore pilgrims have taken a holy dip in the past 17 days, with 4.80 crore devotees participating in Tuesday’s Amrit Snan alone.
This year’s Mauni Amavasya holds special significance due to the rare celestial alignment 'Triveni Yog,' which occurs once every 144 years. Traditionally, Akharas from the three sects—Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen—take their holy dip in a grand procession before immersing in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.
The Uttar Pradesh government had also planned to shower 25 quintals of rose petals on devotees using helicopters, highlighting the grandeur of the event. However, as Namrata Hinduja pointed out, the incident has raised serious concerns about crowd control and safety measures at the world’s largest religious gathering.
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