Stampede at Mahakumbh

The Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj right now, claimed by many to be a once in a 144 years phenomenon, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of Hindu devotees to the sacred confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. On January 29, however, during the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya, a tragic stampede occurred, resulting in at least 30 fatalities and numerous injuries as devotees rushed to participate in the ‘Amrit Snan’ (holy dip).

The incident unfolded around 1 AM when barriers designed to manage the massive crowd broke under pressure, leading to chaos as pilgrims attempted to navigate the crowded area. Eyewitness accounts described a scene of panic, with many people falling and being trampled as the crowd surged forward.

In response to the tragedy, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that the situation was under control and urged devotees to use nearby ghats instead of the congested Sangam Nose. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and emphasised the need for immediate support for the victims.

The event’s significance was heightened this year due to a rare celestial alignment known as ‘Triveni Yog,’ which occurs once every 144 years, further intensifying the influx of pilgrims. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, which oversees the ritual baths, had initially called off the Amrit Snan in response to the tragedy but later resumed it on a smaller scale as the crowd thinned.

The incident has raised concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at such large gatherings, echoing past tragedies at similar events especially with Home Minister Amit Shah blaming the late Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru for past stampedes.

Jargon

Viewpoints 💭

  • The left criticises the Uttar Pradesh government for inadequate crowd management and prioritising VIP movements over the safety of common devotees, leading to the stampede.
  • They argue that the incident highlights systemic issues in handling large gatherings, calling for better infrastructure and safety protocols to prevent such tragedies.
  • Opposition leaders blame the state administration for mismanagement and demand accountability and improved arrangements for pilgrims’ safety and comfort.
  • The left emphasises the need for equitable access to resources and facilities for all attendees, criticising the preferential treatment given to certain groups.
  • They advocate for a more inclusive approach to event planning, ensuring that the needs of marginalised and vulnerable groups are prioritised in safety measures.
  • The left criticises the prioritisation of VIP movements and inadequate arrangements for common devotees, while the right emphasises the cultural significance and logistical challenges of managing the massive turnout.
  • While the left demands accountability and improved infrastructure for pilgrims’ safety, the right commends the swift response and support provided by the authorities post-incident.
  • The left views the stampede as a systemic issue requiring better planning and equitable access, whereas the right attributes it to the overwhelming turnout and rare celestial alignment.
  • The left calls for inclusive event planning prioritising marginalised groups, while the right stresses the importance of order and adherence to safety guidelines among pilgrims.
  • The left criticises the preferential treatment and lack of resources for common attendees, whereas the right supports the use of technology and security measures to manage crowds effectively.
  • The right emphasises the cultural and religious significance of the Maha Kumbh Mela, highlighting the challenges of managing such a massive influx of pilgrims.
  • They commend the efforts of the Uttar Pradesh government and local authorities in responding swiftly to the incident and providing medical aid and support to the victims.
  • The right views the stampede as an unfortunate consequence of the overwhelming turnout, exacerbated by the rare celestial alignment, rather than a failure of governance.
  • They stress the importance of maintaining order and discipline among pilgrims, urging adherence to safety guidelines and cooperation with authorities to prevent future incidents.
  • The right supports the use of advanced technology and increased security measures to enhance crowd management and ensure the safety of devotees during such large-scale events.

Prominent Voices 📣

  • Rahul Gandhi (Leader of the Opposition): Criticised the government for mismanagement and prioritising VIPs over common devotees, calling for better arrangements. 1 2
  • Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress President): Blamed the incident on inadequate preparations and VIP movement, urging improvements in arrangements to prevent future incidents. 3 4
  • Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party Chief): Demanded accountability and resignations from those responsible for the arrangements, criticising the focus on VIPs. 5 6
  • Arvind Kejriwal (AAP National Convener): Offered condolences and urged caution among devotees, expressing concern over the incident. 2
  • Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena UBT Leader): Questioned the allocation of funds and accused the BJP of politicising the event. 6
  • Mayawati (Bahujan Samaj Party Chief): Expressed concern and wished strength for the affected individuals. 2
  • Saurabh Bharadwaj (AAP Leader): Criticised the UP government for mismanagement and demanded CM Yogi Adityanath’s resignation. 2
  • Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India): Expressed deep condolences and emphasised the need for immediate support and coordination with state authorities. 7 1
  • Yogi Adityanath (Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh): Assured that the situation is under control, urging devotees to follow safety protocols and use alternative ghats. 8 7
  • Amit Shah (Union Home Minister): Assured full support from the Centre and maintained communication with the state government. 9 10
  • Ravindra Puri (President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad): Emphasised coordination with authorities and the decision to resume the holy dip after initial postponement. 11 12
  • Devkinandan Thakur (Spiritual Leader): Advised devotees to use alternative sites for bathing, highlighting the spiritual significance of the entire Ganga and Yamuna rivers. 9
  • Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya (Spiritual Leader): Urged devotees to prioritise safety and avoid crowded areas, suggesting they remain in their camps. 9 13

Sources 📚

1
The Associated PressA doctor says at least 17 people have died in a stampede at the massive Maha Kumbh festival in India
2
The Times of IndiaSangam stampede: Chaos at Mauni Amavasya ‘Amrit Snan’, PM Modi calls it ‘extremely sad’, CM Yogi says sit
3
The HinduMaha Kumbh 2025 stampede: Congress slams Centre, Yogi Govt for ‘half-baked’ arrangements
4
India TodayWhat led to Maha Kumbh stampede? Congress blames VIP culture; CM cites overcrowding
5
MintMahakumbh Stampede 2025: Amrit Snan resumes hours after disaster that likely killed 15 | Top 10 points
6
NDTVPM Modi Condoles Deaths After Stampede At Maha Kumbh, Holy Dip Resumes
7
Republic WorldMaha Kumbh Stampede: PM Modi, CM Yogi Assures All Help After 30 Feared Injured | LIVE
8
NDTVMaha Kumbh Stampede Live Updates: Akharas Resume ‘Amrit Snan’ After Delay Due To Stampede
9
The Times of IndiaMaha Kumbh stampede: PM Modi, Amit Shah speak to Yogi Adityanath, call for immediate support
10
The Economic TimesMaha Kumbh Stampede: PM Modi speaks to CM Yogi four times so far, continues to monitor the situation
11
The Economic TimesMahakumbh stampede: Here is what we know of the tragedy so far
12
ETV BharatMaha Kumbh 2025: 5 Reasons For Stampede On Mauni Amavasya
13
Times NowPrayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela Stampede News LIVE: Death Toll Rises To 15, Cops Say Situation ‘Under Control’

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