In the early hours of Wednesday, chaos erupted at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, as millions of Hindu pilgrims hurried to perform sacred rituals at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. Officials reported that some individuals, who were sleeping on the ground, were trampled in the rush, raising concerns over numerous injuries and potential fatalities.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which occurs every 12 years, coincides with what is believed to be one of the most auspicious dates in the Hindu calendar. Pilgrims flock to this event seeking purification and salvation through ritual bathing at the sacred site, which is also believed to be graced by a mythical river, the Sarasvati. This year, due to favorable celestial alignments, the turnout is expected to reach unprecedented levels, with government estimates of around 400 million attendees over the festival's six-week span.
To accommodate the overflowing number of pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh government set up a temporary city featuring tents, toilets, streets, pontoon bridges, and waste management facilities along the banks of the holy Ganges river. Despite past tragedies, including a deadly crush in 2013 that claimed 42 lives, authorities have strategized to enhance safety through advanced technology aimed at monitoring crowd movements.
However, the overwhelming number of participants has posed a significant challenge. Some festival staff encouraged attendees to proceed to the bathing areas, leading to an uncontrolled influx of pilgrims. With police unable to clear the locations before the surge, chaotic scenes unfolded at the riverside, heightening fears for participants’ safety.
As this story continues to develop, updates on the situation will follow. Reporters on the ground remain vigilant as emergency services respond to the unfolding tragedy at this historic religious gathering.
