Wed Jan 29 11:45:33 UTC 2025: ## Deadly Stampede at India’s Kumbh Mela Festival

**Prayagraj, India** – At least 10 people have died and many more injured in a deadly stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious festival, in Prayagraj, India. The incident occurred early Wednesday morning as millions of pilgrims rushed to participate in a sacred bathing ritual on the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the crowd surged, pushing people over barricades and causing a crush. One pilgrim, Renu Devi, recounted being trampled by the overwhelming mass of people, highlighting the helplessness of those caught in the surge. Another unnamed woman reported that her mother died in the stampede.

Authorities have yet to confirm the exact death toll, but local media reports suggest at least 10 fatalities. Approximately 30 million people had already taken part in the holy dip by 8 am local time, according to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who attributed the crush to pilgrims jumping barricades. The festival is expected to draw up to 400 million participants over its six-week duration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and stated that the local administration is assisting victims. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the “VIP culture” during the event, suggesting mismanagement led to the tragedy. This is not the first time a stampede has occurred at the Kumbh Mela; a similar incident at a railway station in Prayagraj in 2013 resulted in at least 36 deaths.

The Kumbh Mela, a significant event in the Hindu calendar, draws millions of devotees who believe bathing in the sacred confluence will absolve them of sins. Despite extensive preparations, including a tent city with infrastructure and security measures like hundreds of cameras, the incident underscores the immense logistical challenges of managing such a massive gathering. The event continues despite the tragedy, with high-profile attendees including Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, billionaire Gautam Adani, and reportedly Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson. Investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the casualties and to identify factors contributing to the stampede.

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