The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest gatherings, turned tragic on Wednesday as a stampede claimed the lives of dozens of devotees in India. 😢 Millions had gathered for a holy dip in the sacred rivers, seeking blessings and salvation. 🙏
Authorities reported that at least 30 people were killed and 90 injured in the crush at the festival, with some sources suggesting the death toll could be closer to 40. The atmosphere of devotion quickly shifted to one of panic and sorrow as the massive crowd surged towards the riverbanks.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene where some routes to the waters were closed, causing bottlenecks that left people suffocated and overwhelmed. Others spoke of a sudden push towards the rivers that led to devotees falling and being trampled. 😥
In response, Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry into the incident, promising that a three-member commission would investigate and report back promptly. \"The government has decided that a judicial inquiry of the incident will be done,\" he told reporters.
Despite the tragedy, the festival saw a staggering turnout, with over 76 million people taking a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj on Wednesday alone! 🌊✨ Officials estimate that nearly 280 million people have attended the festival since it began two weeks ago.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is a sacred event where devout Hindus believe that bathing in the holy waters absolves them of sins and liberates them from the cycle of rebirth. 🙌 The next festival in 2025 is expected to draw around 400 million devotees! 🤯
Opposition leaders and local media have criticized the festival's crowd management, urging authorities to improve safety measures to prevent future tragedies. \"There is much scope for improving crowd management at the Kumbh,\" the Hindustan Times noted, emphasizing the need for better planning and use of modern technology.
With three more 'royal dips'—considered particularly sacred days—scheduled before the festival ends, all eyes are on the organizers to enhance safety and ensure devotees can participate in peace. Let's hope for better arrangements so that such a heartbreaking incident doesn't happen again. 💔
Our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragedy. May they find strength during this difficult time. 🙏
Reference(s):
India orders probe into Hindu festival stampede that killed dozens
cgtn.com
