With an estimated 10 crore pilgrims converging for the Amrit Snan, severe overcrowding has prompted Akhadas to abstain from taking their ritual bath at the Sangam. Authorities had issued safety advisories, but the sheer crowd volume posed major challenges.
BY PC Bureau
Nearly three dozen devotees, mainly women, were injured on Wednesday after a “stampede-like” situation erupted at the Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. The chaos unfolded as an overwhelming number of pilgrims gathered for the sacred Mauni Amavasya bath, officials reported.
Officer on Special Duty for the Mela, Akanksha Rana, stated, “Based on the information received, a stampede-like situation occurred at Sangam Nose after a barrier collapsed. Some people sustained injuries, but none are in critical condition. They are receiving necessary medical care.”
Mauni Amavasya’s Amrit Snan is the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh, with an estimated 10 crore pilgrims expected to participate. However, due to excessive crowding, Akhadas have decided to abstain from taking the holy dip on this auspicious day.
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This year’s Mauni Amavasya holds even greater spiritual importance due to a rare celestial alignment known as Triveni Yog, occurring after 144 years.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
The injured were transported to the central hospital in the Mela area, where their relatives, along with senior administrative and police officials, gathered.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday amid a massive influx of devotees at the Sangam and the 12-km stretch of ghats prepared for the Maha Kumbh.
The Triveni Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati—is regarded as the holiest site for Hindus. It is believed that taking a dip here, especially during Maha Kumbh on sacred bathing dates like Mauni Amavasya, cleanses one of sins and grants moksha (salvation).
Crowd Management Measures
Anticipating the heavy footfall, Mela authorities had issued an advisory on Tuesday, urging devotees to follow safety guidelines. Pilgrims were instructed to:
- Use designated lanes to reach Sangam Ghat.
- Stay in their respective lanes while approaching the bathing area.
- Avoid lingering at the ghats after taking a dip.
- Move promptly to parking areas or their destinations to ensure smooth crowd flow.
Additionally, visitors were advised to remain patient at barricades and pontoon bridges, avoiding rushing or pushing to prevent accidents. The administration emphasized that “all ghats at Sangam are equally sacred” and encouraged pilgrims to bathe at the first ghat they reach to prevent overcrowding.
Despite these precautions, the overwhelming crowd led to Wednesday’s chaotic scenes, underscoring the challenges of managing an event of this magnitude
