New Delhi: A stampede broke out at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early Wednesday as crores of devotees jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath saying some devotees were “seriously injured”.
The incident took place between 1 am and 2 am when some devotees climbed over the barricades at Akhara Marg, he said.
“Between 1 am to 2 am, at the akhara route where arrangements were made for the Amrit Snan of the akharas, some devotees crossed over the barricades and were critically injured. They were immediately rushed to hospital where treatment was promptly ensured,” he said after a high-level meeting in Lucknow.
Reports suggest that at least 20 people may have lost their lives during the stampede. However, the government has yet to officially confirm the death toll. In the wake of the tragedy, spiritual leaders have urged devotees to avoid the rush and not insist on taking a holy dip exclusively at the Sangam.
‘Sadhus’ and other devotees take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival, in Prayagraj, Wednesday.
Prayagraj: Devotees take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival.
A security official stands guard as devotees take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, in Prayagraj, Wednesday.
Scores of devotees are seen at the Sangam as they gather to take a holy dip on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, in Prayagraj.
‘Sadhus’ take a holy dip at River Ganga, before the Triveni Sangam, on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival.
Devotees take a holy dip at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya during the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela, in Prayagraj, Wednesday.
Security personnel manage a rush of devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
Security personnel manage a rush of devotees taking a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, in Prayagraj.
Scores of devotees are seen at the Sangam as they gather to take a holy dip on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
‘Sadhus’ return without taking a holy dip at the Sangam after a stampede-like situation occurred on ‘Mauni Amavasya’, during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela festival.
A stampede broke out early Wednesday morning at the Maha Kumbh Mela, marking another tragic incident at the world’s largest religious gathering. The Kumbh Mela has unfortunately witnessed similar stampedes in previous years.
(Picture credits: PTI)
