India Probes Tragic Stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela 🙏
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela—one of the world's largest religious gatherings—claimed the lives of dozens of devotees in India this Wednesday. Officials reported that over 30 people lost their lives, with sources suggesting the number could be closer to 40, and around 90 others were injured.
The devastating incident occurred as millions of pilgrims flocked to the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers for a \"holy dip,\" believed to absolve sins and bring salvation. Witnesses described chaotic scenes where a sudden surge in the crowd led to people falling and being trampled, while others collapsed from suffocation as pathways to the rivers became congested.
\"The government has decided on a judicial inquiry into the incident,\" announced Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. \"A three-member judicial commission will look into the entire matter and submit its report within a set timeframe.\"
Despite the tragedy, the festival saw an incredible turnout, with over 76 million people taking a dip on Wednesday alone and nearly 280 million attendees since the event began two weeks ago. The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is expected to draw a staggering 400 million devotees by its conclusion in 2025.
Opposition leaders and local media have criticized the event's management, calling for improved safety measures to prevent future incidents. \"There is much scope for improving crowd management at the Kumbh,\" stated an editorial in the Hindustan Times. \"More personnel and better planning—using both ground resources and modern technology—are needed.\"
With three more 'royal dips'—dates considered particularly sacred—scheduled before the festival ends, authorities are under pressure to enhance safety protocols. As India mourns this tragic loss, there's a collective hope that lessons learned will prevent such incidents from happening again. 🙏💔
Reference(s):
India orders probe into Hindu festival stampede that killed dozens
cgtn.com
