Wed Jan 29 07:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Kumbh Mela Sees Record-Breaking Attendance Despite Stampede Tragedy
**Prayagraj, India** – Despite a deadly stampede on Tuesday night that claimed the lives of 30 pilgrims, the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj witnessed an unprecedented turnout on Wednesday. An estimated 60 million pilgrims took the holy dip in the Sangam confluence by evening, making Prayagraj the world’s most populous city for the day, surpassing even Tokyo (population 37 million). Including the city’s existing population of 5.95 million, the total population of Prayagraj reached a staggering 66 million.
Among the millions of pilgrims were Bollywood actress and BJP MP Hema Malini and yoga guru Baba Ramdev, who both participated in the ritual bathing and subsequent prayers. Aerial flower showers were conducted on Wednesday, following a similar event on Makar Sankranti, adding to the spiritual spectacle.
Following the stampede, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed for calm, urging pilgrims to avoid congested areas and cooperate with authorities. He held a high-level meeting with officials to address the aftermath, ensuring prompt medical attention for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also contacted CM Adityanath multiple times to monitor the relief and rescue efforts. Swift action by UP police prevented a larger tragedy, establishing green corridors to rush the injured to hospitals. Over 360 trains were deployed to facilitate the safe return of pilgrims. CM Adityanath also coordinated with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to increase train services. The timings of the Akhadas (religious orders) holy bath were slightly adjusted following the incident, though the usual grandeur was somewhat subdued.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized the state government’s handling of the event, calling for the army to take over Kumbh Mela management and for those responsible to resign. He stated that the incident exposed the falsity of claims of world-class management.
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