In a heartbreaking turn of events, a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela—the world's largest gathering—claimed the lives of dozens of devotees on Wednesday. As millions flocked for a 'holy dip' in the sacred rivers, chaos ensued, leading to tragic losses.
Witnesses describe a massive surge towards the water, with some devotees falling and others collapsing due to suffocation as routes became blocked. \"It was overwhelming; people were everywhere, and suddenly there was no space to move,\" shared one attendee.
Reacting swiftly, Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry. \"A three-member commission will look into the matter and submit its report within a set time frame,\" he stated.
Despite the tragedy, the festival saw over 76 million people taking a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj on that single day. Since its commencement two weeks ago, nearly 280 million have participated, with numbers expected to soar as the event continues.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is not just a festival but a spiritual journey. Devotees believe that bathing in the sacred waters absolves sins and offers salvation from the cycle of rebirth.
Opposition leaders are calling out mismanagement, urging authorities to enhance safety measures. Local media echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for better crowd planning to prevent future tragedies.
As the festival progresses, three more 'royal dips'—dates considered particularly sacred—are scheduled. Let's hope for improved arrangements to ensure the safety of all attendees. 🙏
Reference(s):
India orders probe into Hindu festival stampede that killed dozens
cgtn.com
