Maha Kumbh 2025: Stampede at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya, 15 Feared Dead

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday, left several people feared dead as lakhs of devotees gathered for a holy dip in the Ganga on Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days of the event. Emergency services rushed to the scene, with multiple ambulances transporting the injured to the central hospital inside the Mela grounds. Sources that at least 15 bodies had been brought to the hospital.

Stampede During Mauni Amavasya Snan

The chaos unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday at Sangam as the crowd swelled for the sacred ‘Amrit Snan.’ As pressure built due to the sheer number of pilgrims, Mela authorities urged devotees to vacate the ghats after completing their rituals. Announcements were made over public address systems, requesting orderly movement.

However, the crowd surge forced many devotees to leave without taking a dip, while the Akharas called off their traditional ‘Amrit Snan’ for Mauni Amavasya, even as thousands continued their rituals at other ghats.

PM Modi Monitors the Situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation in a call with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and directed immediate support measures. Official sources confirmed that Modi has been in constant touch with Adityanath regarding the incident.

“PM Modi spoke to Yogi Ji about the situation at the Kumbh Mela, reviewed developments, and called for urgent assistance,” an official said.

Ahead of Mauni Amavasya, the Uttar Pradesh government had reinforced security measures, anticipating over 10 crore devotees for the event. The administration deployed AI-powered CCTV cameras, drones, and security personnel at key locations while declaring the Mela area a no-vehicle zone to manage crowd flow.

Record-Breaking Pilgrim Turnout

Over the past 17 days, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has witnessed more than 15 crore devotees taking a dip at the Sangam and various ghats. On Tuesday alone, over 4.8 crore pilgrims participated in the holy bath, surpassing the 3.5 crore recorded on Makar Sankranti’s Amrit Snan.

The Prayagraj administration has urged devotees to treat all ghats as sacred and avoid unnecessary crowding. To honor the pilgrims, the government plans to shower 25 quintals of rose petals from helicopters over the Mela grounds.

Mauni Amavasya and Its Significance

Mauni Amavasya is regarded as the most auspicious bathing day of the Kumbh Mela, as it is believed that the waters of the holy rivers turn into ‘Amrit’ on this occasion. The Amrit Snan (formerly known as Shahi Snan) is the grandest and most sacred ritual of the festival, drawing millions of devotees from across the world.

Spiritual leader Jagatguru Sai Maa Lakshmi Devi emphasized the importance of Mauni Amavasya, stating, “This day is not just significant for saints but for all Hindus. Observing silence on Mauni Amavasya contributes to spiritual growth and inner peace.”

Medical and Security Measures at Maha Kumbh

To handle emergencies, the UP government has deployed over 1,000 medical professionals and established advanced medical facilities, including provisions for minor and major surgeries. Additionally, 300 specialist doctors have been stationed at a super-specialty hospital in Mahakumbh Nagar.

Held once every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 began on January 13 and will conclude on Maha Shivaratri, February 26.