Mahakumbh Stampede LIVE: 30 dead, 60 injured; 25 identified, says DIG

Over 30 people have died, while 60 were injured after a stamped-like incident occurred at Mahakumbh mela being held in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, Mahakumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna said on Wednesday A stampede took place at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj on Wednesday as large crowds thronged the ghats for a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh.

Meanwhile, members of Akhara’s gathered in small numbers at Triveni Sangam on Wednesday to take an ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya.

Digambar Naga Baba Chidanand Puri of Panchayati Niranjani Akhara speaking to ANI after taking ‘Amrit snan’ said that after today’s stampede-like situation in Maha Kumbh people from Niranjani Akhara are coming in small numbers to take a holy dip.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah called up Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath to take stock of the situation.

Vivek Mishra, a content creator from Prayagraj, said the devotees , many of whom were carrying luggage, had no idea where to go after bathing. “There were large number of dustbins that pilgrims could not seen. A few fell as they lost balance. Their luggage could be seen all over. I also fell as my feet got stuck in one of the dustbins. Lost my shoes. I was left barefoot. I sustained a foot injury. I somehow stood up and saved my parents and another woman lying on the ground. Youngsters in the crowd started pushing others. This situation led to stampede. I cannot describe what I saw…”

Also Read | Mauni Amavasya 2025: Date, shubh muhurat, rituals, significance and all you need to know about this auspicious day

Opposition hit out at the Centre over the stampede, with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge blaming “half-baked” arrangements and “paying more attention to self-promotion”. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded that those responsible for falsely claiming a “world-class system” at the event take moral responsibility for the tragedy and step down from their positions.

More on Maha Kumbh:

The Maha Kumbh began on January 13 and will continue until February 26.

Devotees from various states and around the world have been immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy confluence.

The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh and is expected to draw around 10 crore pilgrims.

This year, a rare celestial alignment called ‘Triveni Yog’ is occurring after 144 years, amplifying the spiritual significance of the day.

The Uttar Pradesh government estimate that more than 45 crore people will attend the 2025 Maha Kumbh.

Around 10 crore pilgrims alone are expected to attend Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya.