Casualties have been reported after a stampede broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela, where millions had gathered for one of Hinduism's most significant events in Prayagraj, India.
Tragedy Strikes Maha Kumbh Mela Festival as Pilgrim Stampede Occurs
Tragedy Strikes Maha Kumbh Mela Festival as Pilgrim Stampede Occurs
A massive rush at the sacred gathering in Prayagraj leads to casualties as millions seek spiritual purification.
In the early hours of Wednesday, chaos ensued as devotees scrambled to the sacred bathing site at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. Officials confirmed that while many sought the spiritual benefits associated with the auspicious date in the Hindu calendar, some pilgrims were trampled accidentally, and reports of fatalities are feared. The massive influx of worshippers overwhelmed the designated pathways, leading to a breach of barriers amid the excitement and fervor of the event.
Held once every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela draws attendees from across India in the hope of spiritual cleansing. This year, the event has attracted an estimated 400 million visitors over six weeks due to favorable celestial alignments, deeming it the "Maha Kumbh." To manage this unprecedented number of people, the Uttar Pradesh government constructed a temporary city along the Ganges, complete with necessary infrastructure like tents, sanitation facilities, streets, and bridges.
Safety has historically been a concern during the Kumbh Mela; in a previous gathering in 2013, a tragic stampede led to the deaths of 42 individuals at a train station. In response, officials implemented more advanced crowd monitoring and safety measures to prevent such disasters. However, as police worked to redirect the rush of pilgrims toward safer routes, the situation escalated quickly, leading some areas to become dangerously crowded.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and this is a developing story that will be monitored closely for updates. As the festival continues, the safety of attendees remains a top priority.
Reporters Hari Kumar and Anupreeta Das cover the unfolding situation, providing crucial updates from India.
Held once every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela draws attendees from across India in the hope of spiritual cleansing. This year, the event has attracted an estimated 400 million visitors over six weeks due to favorable celestial alignments, deeming it the "Maha Kumbh." To manage this unprecedented number of people, the Uttar Pradesh government constructed a temporary city along the Ganges, complete with necessary infrastructure like tents, sanitation facilities, streets, and bridges.
Safety has historically been a concern during the Kumbh Mela; in a previous gathering in 2013, a tragic stampede led to the deaths of 42 individuals at a train station. In response, officials implemented more advanced crowd monitoring and safety measures to prevent such disasters. However, as police worked to redirect the rush of pilgrims toward safer routes, the situation escalated quickly, leading some areas to become dangerously crowded.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and this is a developing story that will be monitored closely for updates. As the festival continues, the safety of attendees remains a top priority.
Reporters Hari Kumar and Anupreeta Das cover the unfolding situation, providing crucial updates from India.
