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Human Stampede at Kumbh Mela Leave 15 Dead in India
A human stampede during India’s largest religious gathering, the Kumbh Mela, claimed at least 15 lives and left many others injured, according to a doctor at the festival in Prayagraj on Wednesday.
Tragic crowd accidents are unfortunately common at Indian religious events. The Kumbh Mela, known for drawing massive crowds, has a history of devastating incidents, and this latest tragedy adds to its record.
The six-week festival is a major event on the Hindu calendar. Millions gathered on Wednesday for a ritual bath at the sacred site where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet.
“At least 15 people have died so far. Others are receiving treatment,” said a doctor in Prayagraj, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.
Emergency teams assisted pilgrims and transported the injured away from the incident scene.
Akanksha Rana, a local official, told the Press Trust of India (PTI) that the stampede started when crowd control barriers collapsed.
Malti Pandey, a 42-year-old pilgrim, recalled the chaos while heading toward the river for the ritual bathing. “Suddenly, the crowd began pushing, and many were crushed,” he said.
The Kumbh Mela, which has its roots in Hindu mythology, symbolizes a battle between gods and demons over a pitcher containing the nectar of immortality.
This year’s event, described as the size of a temporary nation, is expected to draw up to 400 million visitors by its conclusion on February 26.
Aware of the dangers posed by such large crowds, authorities installed hundreds of surveillance cameras and drones at the festival site and on nearby roads. These devices feed into a central monitoring system to detect dangerously dense areas and alert the staff to potential hazards.
One of the worst crowd disasters in Kumbh Mela’s history occurred in 1954 when over 400 people were killed in a stampede and drowning incident. More recently, 36 people died during the 2013 festival, the last time the event was held in Prayagraj.
What is Kumbh Mela in India
The Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Hindus celebrate festivals on a grand scale, and the Kumbh Mela is one of the most cherished events in their religious calendar.
This sacred gathering rotates between four historic cities in India: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. Each location hosts the event approximately every 12 years. However, Prayagraj and Haridwar also hold a smaller version of the festival, known as the Ardh Kumbh, every six years.
The origins of the Kumbh Mela trace back to ancient mythology. According to legend, during a cosmic struggle between gods and demons for the nectar of immortality, a few drops of the elixir fell into the rivers at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, and Ujjain. These rivers are considered holy, and millions gather to bathe in their waters, which are believed to wash away sins and bring them closer to salvation.
The Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is one of the largest human gatherings on Earth and was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list on December 8, 2018. During this time, the alignment of celestial bodies transforms the river waters into a source of spiritual energy.
During the festival, devotees take a ritual dip in the sacred rivers as an act of purification. According to government records, in 2019, the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela attracted a staggering 24 million visitors, including over 1 million international tourists. Visitors from across the globe join this spiritual event, making it a truly unique and diverse gathering.
With a history spanning over 2,000 years, the Kumbh Mela has been a symbol of faith and devotion. Historical records mention it during the reign of King Harshavardhana. The event is known for its comprehensive planning, including security measures, sanitation, and public services like health and electricity. These arrangements ensure the safety and comfort of the enormous crowds that attend.
If you want to experience Indian culture at its spiritual best, the Kumbh Mela is an unmissable opportunity. Everything is designed to meet the needs of pilgrims and visitors, from comfortable accommodations to well-organised facilities. However, booking your travel and staying early is wise to avoid last-minute hassles.
Are you ready to join millions in this extraordinary event? The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj awaits, offering a chance to witness one of Earth’s most profound cultural and spiritual celebrations.
