30 dead in Maha Kumbh festival stampede in India, police say

At least 30 people were killed and another 60 injured in a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival, the world’s largest religious gathering. The incident occurred as pilgrims attempted to jump barricades to partake in a ritual bath in the sacred waters at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Authorities reported that an estimated 90 to 100 million pilgrims were present at the site, with expectations of over 400 million people visiting over the course of the six-week festival. The stampede took place during a sacred day of the Hindu festival, as devotees sought to cleanse themselves of past sins and end the process of reincarnation through the holy bath.

The tragic event unfolded as pilgrims tried to bypass barricades set up for a procession of holy men, leading to chaos and panic among the massive crowd. Despite the efforts of authorities to maintain order, the stampede resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, with victims rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the affected families. The incident cast a shadow over the festival, which draws millions of devotees seeking spiritual purification and blessings.

Despite the tragedy, millions of pilgrims continued to throng the pilgrimage site, with authorities urging caution and directing them to alternative riverbanks for bathing rituals. Security measures were heightened, with thousands of personnel deployed to ensure crowd control and safety during the event.

The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, is a significant cultural event for India’s Hindu population, symbolizing spiritual renewal and devotion. The festival has seen stampedes in the past, highlighting the challenges of managing large crowds at religious gatherings.

As the nation mourns the lives lost in the stampede, calls for improved management and safety measures have been raised by opposition leaders. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the well-being of pilgrims and preventing such tragedies in the future.

The Maha Kumbh festival continues to be a focal point of religious fervor and cultural significance in India, attracting millions of devotees from across the country. As the event unfolds, efforts are underway to address the aftermath of the stampede and enhance security measures to safeguard the pilgrims’ well-being.