PM Modi expresses grief over Maha Kumbh stampede: Extends condolences to bereaved families

Uttar Pradesh: A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj left several people injured as a massive crowd surged past police barricades during the sacred ‘Shahi Snan’ (Royal Bath). Eyewitnesses and officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that at least 15 bodies have been brought to the hospital.

PM Narendra Modi expresses grief

Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences to the victims and their families. "The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured," he stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He assured that the local administration is actively working to provide all necessary assistance. "I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government," he added.

प्रयागराज महाकुंभ में हुआ हादसा अत्यंत दुखद है। इसमें जिन श्रद्धालुओं ने अपने परिजनों को खोया है, उनके प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं। इसके साथ ही मैं सभी घायलों के शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना करता हूं। स्थानीय प्रशासन पीड़ितों की हरसंभव मदद में जुटा हुआ है। इस सिलसिले में मैंने…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 29, 2025

What led to the deadly stampede?

The incident occurred during the sacred Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, the most significant bathing ritual of the Maha Kumbh. This year, the event witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with nearly 10 crore devotees expected to take a dip in the Triveni Sangam—the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Adding to the spiritual significance, a rare celestial phenomenon known as 'Triveni Yog' is occurring after 144 years, drawing even more pilgrims to the site. However, in the early hours of the morning, chaos ensued as thousands attempted to move past police barricades, leading to a stampede that left multiple people trampled and severely injured.

Emergency response and rising concerns

At around 2 AM, the sound of ambulance sirens and police vehicles rushing towards the Sangam disrupted the chants of mantras and devotional songs playing across the Mela grounds. Authorities swiftly transported the injured to a central hospital within the Kumbh Mela area. Relatives of the victims, along with senior police and administrative officials, also reached the medical facility to oversee the situation.

The Maha Kumbh is the largest religious gathering in the world, and maintaining crowd control has always been a challenge. While the event is deeply rooted in faith, incidents like these raise concerns about the safety measures in place to manage such an enormous influx of devotees.