Stampede-Like Situation at Maha Kumbh Injures 30 Women, Akharas Defer Holy Dip

GG News Bureau
Prayagraj, 29th Jan. Around 30 women were injured in a stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh during Mauni Amavasya, prompting Akharas to call off their scheduled ‘Amrit Snan.’ The incident occurred as massive crowds surged toward the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, causing barricades to collapse about a kilometer from the confluence. Several women fainted and were rushed to hospitals within the fairgrounds, with serious cases sent to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College.

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Mahant Ravindra Puri stated that the decision to cancel the dip was taken in response to the incident. “All our saints and seers were ready for the ‘snan,’ but after witnessing the morning’s events, we decided to call it off,” he told PTI. Juna Akhara Patron Mahant Hari Giri also urged devotees to take a dip in the Ganga elsewhere and return home safely.

Massive Crowds, AI-Powered Surveillance, and Security Measures
Ahead of the second ‘Amrit Snan,’ nearly five crore devotees had already arrived in Prayagraj, with numbers expected to swell to 10 crore on Mauni Amavasya. Authorities implemented stringent security measures, including AI-powered surveillance, drone monitoring, and an increased police presence. Pontoon bridges were closed to prevent further crowding, and the city was declared a no-vehicle zone. Residents were advised to avoid four-wheelers and use two-wheelers only for senior citizens.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, directing immediate relief measures. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has deployed 360 trains, including 190 special trains, to manage the influx of pilgrims. “Trains will run every four minutes, ensuring seamless connectivity,” said Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board.

Spiritual Significance of Mauni Amavasya and the Kumbh Rituals
The Mauni Amavasya ‘Amrit Snan’ is the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh. This year, it holds added spiritual importance due to ‘Triveni Yog,’ a rare celestial alignment occurring once every 144 years. Traditionally, Akharas from the three sects—Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen—lead an awe-inspiring procession to the Sangam Ghat before taking the holy dip.

The Uttar Pradesh government had planned a grand welcome for devotees, including the aerial showering of 25 quintals of rose petals. Over 1,000 medical professionals have been stationed at the Kumbh, with 300 specialist doctors in a super-specialty hospital to handle emergencies.

Despite the morning’s chaos, over 4.80 crore devotees took the holy dip on Tuesday, surpassing the Makar Sankranti Amrit Snan count of 3.5 crore. The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, has already seen over 15 crore pilgrims and will continue until February 26.