Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Stampede: 15 Feared Dead at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam During Amrit Snan

A stampede broke out at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj during the Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, leaving 15 people feared dead and several others injured. The incident occurred on Mauni Amavasya, a highly auspicious day, when millions of devotees gathered for a holy dip in the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati confluence. The situation escalated as overcrowding and confusion led to barricades collapsing, causing panic among the devotees.

What Led to the Stampede?

• Massive Crowd Surge: Over 5 crore devotees had already reached Prayagraj, with the number expected to rise to 10 crore on the main day.
• Collapse of Barricades: The sheer pressure of the crowd caused barricades to fall, leading to chaos. Several women fainted, triggering further panic.
• Confusion Over Exit Routes: Many devotees, after taking the holy dip, were unsure where to go, leading to a bottleneck situation.
• Timing of Incident: The stampede occurred around 2:30 AM, when a massive influx of devotees arrived at the Sangam Ghat.

Mauni Amavasya Snan Cancelled by Akharas

Following the stampede and the tragic loss of lives, Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, announced that the seers have called off their Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan. This is a significant decision as the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is the highlight of the Maha Kumbh, attracting millions of devotees.

As per the Kumbh Mela tradition, Akharas from three sects—Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen—take the holy dip in a specific order, leading a grand procession to the Sangam Ghat. This year’s ritual was especially significant due to the rare celestial alignment of ‘Triveni Yog’, an event that happens once every 144 years.

Government Response & Emergency Measures

• Swift Action Taken: Ambulances were rushed to the scene, and the injured were taken to a temporary hospital in Sector 2 of the Kumbh Mela area.
• PM Modi’s Intervention: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, stressing the need for immediate support measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
• Public Announcements: Authorities used loudspeakers to urge devotees to clear the ghats after their holy dip to prevent further mishaps.
• CM Yogi’s Appeal: CM Yogi Adityanath urged devotees to use the nearest ghats instead of crowding the main Sangam area. He requested people to follow administration guidelines and avoid rumors.

Impact of the Stampede

• Many devotees, fearing for their safety, left the ghats without completing their holy dip.
• The administration has tightened security to prevent another similar incident.
• Emergency teams have been deployed to manage crowd movements and enhance safety measures.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world, and managing such massive crowds presents serious challenges. The authorities are now on high alert to prevent further incidents and ensure a safe pilgrimage for all attendees. The cancellation of the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan by the seers marks an unprecedented decision in Kumbh Mela history.