Maha Kumbh 2025 : CM Yogi asks devotees to take dip in Ganga at nearest ghats

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.

Officials haven’t issued an update on the number of casualties, but people with knowledge of developments told on condition of anonymity that at least 15 people are feared killed and around 70 injured in the stampede.

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

According to a Prayagraj-based social media content creator, an eyewitness, the stampede took place around 2:30 am when a large number of devotees reached at the Sangam banks.

“The problem was mainly due to the fact crowd had no idea where to go after bathing. These people were carrying heavy luggage on their head. There were large number of iron dustbins that could not be seen by pilgrims. A few people fell as they lost balance. Their luggage could be seen all over the area,” he said.

The eyewitness added that he, too, sustained an injury on his feet. “I somehow stood up and saved my parents and another woman who were all lying on the ground. It was then youngsters in the crowd started pushing others. It was this situation that led to the stampede,” the content creator said.

In view of the incident, the Akharas have called off their traditional ‘Amrit Snan’ for Mauni Amavasya, even as devotees in large numbers continued to take a dip at Sangam and other ghats in the Mela area.

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.