The death toll has risen to seven in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, while at least 10 others have been injured, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of January 29 as tens of millions of devotees gathered for a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers on what is considered the most auspicious day of the six-week Hindu festival.
Drone footage captured the massive crowds moving shoulder to shoulder in the predawn darkness, while images from the aftermath showed bodies being carried away on stretchers, distressed devotees sitting on the ground, and personal belongings scattered across the area.
A Reuters witness reported seeing several deceased individuals as ambulances rushed to the riverbank where the incident took place.
Authorities stated that the stampede occurred around 1 a.m. local time, though its exact cause remains unclear. Witnesses described a sudden surge in the crowd near the riverbank, leading to people falling over each other.
“We had barricades in front of us and police with batons on the other side. The push from behind was very powerful… people started falling,” said Vijay Kumar, a pilgrim from Patna. Another woman, speaking to news agency ANI, recounted how she and her mother were caught in the chaos. “People kept stepping on us. I am safe, but my mother has died,” she said.
A Rapid Action Force unit was deployed to manage the situation, and rescue operations were launched.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, directing efforts to restore order and provide relief. Adityanath urged devotees to take their holy dip at alternative riverbanks rather than converging at the primary site.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 144 years, is the world’s largest religious gathering. Authorities had anticipated a record 100 million visitors on Wednesday due to a rare celestial alignment, despite the event already drawing nearly 200 million people in the past two weeks.
Security measures had been heightened with additional personnel, medical teams, and AI-driven crowd management systems, yet the overwhelming number of attendees led to logistical challenges.
The ‘royal bath’ was briefly halted following the tragedy but later resumed.
The incident has sparked political criticism, with Congress party president Mallikarjun Kharge accusing the BJP-led government of mismanagement, prioritizing VIP movement and self-promotion over public safety.
Stampedes have occurred in previous editions of the festival, including a deadly incident in 2013 that claimed at least 36 lives.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as pilgrims proceed with the rituals.