(Image source from: AP)

A chaotic situation occurred at the Sangam in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, as massive crowds gathered at the ghats for a sacred dip during the Mauni Amavasya event of the ongoing Maha Kumbh. Officials have not provided an update on the number of casualties, but anonymous sources suggest that at least 15 people may have been killed and around 70 injured in the stampede. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah contacted the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the situation. A local content creator, Vivek Mishra, described how the devotees, many carrying luggage, were unsure of where to go after bathing. He mentioned the presence of numerous garbage bins that pilgrims could not see, causing some to lose their balance and fall. Mishra himself sustained a foot injury and lost his shoes, but managed to stand up and help his parents and another woman on the ground. The situation escalated as young people in the crowd started pushing others, leading to the stampede, which Mishra found difficult to describe.

The opposition leaders criticized the government's handling of the stampede, blaming "incomplete" arrangements and "excessive focus on self-promotion". The Samajwadi Party chief demanded that those responsible for claiming a "world-class system" at the event take moral responsibility and resign from their positions. The Maha Kumbh festival began on January 13 and will continue until February 26. Devotees from various parts of the country and around the world have been immersing themselves in the spiritual atmosphere of the holy gathering. The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh and is expected to draw around 10 crore pilgrims. This year, a rare celestial alignment called 'Triveni Yog' is occurring after 144 years, adding to the spiritual significance of the day. The Uttar Pradesh government estimates that more than 45 crore people will attend the 2025 Maha Kumbh, with around 10 crore pilgrims expected to attend on Mauni Amavasya. The Union Home Minister has expressed his deep sadness over the tragic incident that occurred during the Maha Kumbh.

The leader expressed sympathy for those who have lost their dear ones in this tragic event. They wished for God to provide the bereaved with the fortitude to endure this grief. The prominent Hindu religious leaders, including the Jagatguru Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the Jagatguru Swami Vidushekar Bharati, have gathered at the Sangam to take a sacred bath on the auspicious occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya', as reported. President Droupadi Murmu has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic stampede incident that occurred during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.