Wed Jan 29 08:38:39 UTC 2025: ## Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela Leaves Dozens Dead, Scores Injured
**Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh** – A deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, has left at least 15 people dead and scores more injured. The incident occurred Wednesday morning during the Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days of the Kumbh Mela, when millions of pilgrims gathered for a holy dip in the Ganges River at the Sangam confluence.
The stampede erupted as massive crowds surged towards the ghats, prompting Mela authorities to attempt to redirect the flow of people. Announcements were made over the public address system urging devotees to leave after bathing, but the sheer number of pilgrims led to a chaotic situation. Many pilgrims were unable to take their holy bath due to the crush.
Following the tragedy, several Akharas (religious orders) cancelled their planned traditional ‘Amrit Snan’ ceremony. Dozens of ambulances rushed to the scene, transporting injured pilgrims to the central hospital within the Mela grounds.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke twice with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, reviewing the situation and ordering immediate support measures. The government had already implemented heightened security and crowd management systems in anticipation of the large crowds expected for Mauni Amavasya, including the deployment of thousands of personnel, AI-powered CCTV cameras, and drones. Despite these measures, the influx of pilgrims overwhelmed the system. The Prayagraj authorities had also declared the Mela area a no-vehicle zone in an attempt to manage the crowds.
The Mahakumbh Mela, which began on January 13th and concludes on February 26th, has already seen over 15 crore pilgrims in its first 17 days. Tuesday alone saw over 4.8 crore devotees participate in the holy bath. Investigations into the causes of the stampede are underway.
First Piper 