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
- stampede: A sudden, uncontrolled rush of people, often resulting in injuries or fatalities, typically occurring in crowded situations.
- Maha Kumbh: A major Hindu festival held every 12 years at four sacred locations in India, where millions gather to bathe in holy rivers, believed to cleanse sins.
- Mauni Amavasya: A significant day in the Hindu calendar, marked by a new moon, when devotees believe that taking a dip in the holy rivers can lead to spiritual purification.
- Amrit Snan: The ritualistic holy bath during the Kumbh Mela, considered one of the most auspicious events, believed to bestow divine blessings and cleanse sins.
- Sangam: The confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj, regarded as the holiest site for Hindu pilgrims.
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.