Stampede at Kumbh Mela Festival in India Claims at Least 15 Lives, Dozens Injured

Pilgrims gather to take a holy dip at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya’ during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025. A stampede at the world’s largest religious gathering killed at least 15 people with many more injured, a doctor at the Kumbh Mela festival in northern India told AFP. (Photo by Niharika KULKARNI / AFP)

A stampede during the world’s largest religious gathering, the Kumbh Mela festival in northern India, has claimed the lives of at least 15 people, with many more injured, according to a doctor at the festival site. The tragic incident occurred early Tuesday morning at the festival in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, as millions of Hindu devotees gathered for the sacred ritual of bathing at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers.

Stampede Breaks Out Amidst Crowds

The stampede took place around 1:00 am local time, as thousands of pilgrims were making their way down a promenade leading to the riverbanks. Renu Devi, a 48-year-old pilgrim, recounted the terrifying moment to AFP: “I was sitting near a barricade, and during the pushing and shoving, the entire crowd fell on top of me, trampling me as it moved forward.” She added that elderly people and women were crushed underfoot as the crowd surged, with no one coming forward to help.

The chaotic scene saw rescue teams scrambling to carry victims from the site, navigating through piles of discarded clothing, shoes, and other personal belongings. Police officers were seen carrying the bodies of the victims on stretchers, draped in thick blankets. Although authorities have yet to confirm the death toll, a doctor at a nearby hospital attending to survivors stated that at least 15 people had died in the stampede.

Authorities on High Alert as Crowds Surge

The deadly stampede occurred on the night of one of the holiest days of the festival, when millions of saffron-clad holy men and devotees partake in a mass bathing ritual to cleanse their sins. As the tragedy unfolded, officials, using loudhailers, urged the remaining pilgrims to stay away from the main bathing area and instead visit less crowded sections of the river. “Please cooperate with security personnel,” one official pleaded through a megaphone.

Despite the chaos, the Uttar Pradesh state government reported that millions of people had already bathed at the confluence of the two rivers between midnight and the early morning hours. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath acknowledged the challenges of managing such large crowds, remarking, “It’s difficult to control such a huge number.”

Festival’s Scale and Risk of Crowded Accidents

The Kumbh Mela, rooted in Hindu mythology, is held every 12 years, attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world. The festival is based on a legend in which gods and demons fought over a pitcher containing the nectar of immortality. This year, organizers have projected up to 400 million pilgrims will attend before the final day on February 26.

Despite increased security measures, including the installation of hundreds of surveillance cameras and drones to monitor crowd movement, deadly crowd accidents remain a frequent occurrence at the festival. In 1954, more than 400 people were killed after being trampled or drowning in one of the most deadly crowd disasters. The festival in 2013 also saw the deaths of 36 people in a similar stampede.

Ongoing Response and Safety Concerns

As news of the tragedy spread, some pilgrims opted to leave the festival early. Sanjay Nishad, a participant, explained, “I heard the news and saw the bathing site. My family got scared, so we’re leaving.” Rail services were also disrupted, with numerous special trains being halted due to overcrowding in Prayagraj.

In light of the ongoing crowd safety risks, authorities are urging pilgrims to exercise caution and follow the directives of security personnel as the festival continues. The tragic incident highlights the immense logistical challenges of managing the Kumbh Mela, a religious event of staggering proportions.

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