Mahakumbh Stampede: A History of Tragedies That Shook the Kumbh Mela
Mahakumbh Stampede: The fear of an unfortunate incident at Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 has turned into reality, as a stampede at the Sangam site before the Mauni Amavasya bath led to chaos. As per initial reports, 10 people are feared dead, and relief operations are underway. PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are closely monitoring the situation, with the Prime Minister speaking to CM Yogi Adityanath thrice within two hours, instructing relief and rescue operations on a war footing.
Also Read: Amrit Snan continues in Mahakumbh after stampede, CM Yogi appeals to people - bathe where you are
A Look Back at Major Kumbh Mela Stampedes
1954 - Prayagraj
The first Kumbh Mela after independence turned into a nightmare when 800 devotees lost their lives in a stampede at Allahabad (now Prayagraj) on February 3, 1954. The tragedy unfolded when a massive crowd gathered for the Mauni Amavasya Snan, leading to people being crushed or drowning in the river.
1986 - Haridwar
On April 14, 1986, a Kumbh Mela stampede in Haridwar took the lives of nearly 200 people. The incident occurred due to a VIP visit by then UP CM Veer Bahadur Singh and other politicians, which restricted the crowd movement, leading to panic and a fatal stampede.
2003 - Nashik
After years of improved crowd management, tragedy struck again in 2003 during the Nashik Kumbh Mela. A sudden surge in the crowd led to a stampede that killed 39 people and left over 100 injured.
2010 - Haridwar
Another disaster occurred on April 14, 2010, during the Shahi Snan at Haridwar Kumbh, where a violent clash between sadhus and devotees led to a stampede, killing 7 people and injuring 15.
2013 - Prayagraj
A major tragedy unfolded at the Allahabad railway station during the 2013 Prayagraj Kumbh, where 42 people lost their lives in a stampede on the footbridge. Eyewitnesses claimed that police lathicharge to control the crowd led to panic and chaos. Among the deceased were 29 women, 12 men, and an 8-year-old girl, while 45 others were injured.
CM Yogi Appeals for Order Amidst the 2025 Stampede
Following the 2025 Mahakumbh stampede, CM Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees to bathe at nearby ghats instead of heading towards the Sangam site. In his statement, he reassured that bathing is proceeding peacefully at all ghats and urged people not to believe in rumors.
With Mahakumbh witnessing millions of devotees, ensuring proper crowd control and safety measures remains a critical challenge for the administration.
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