The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest gatherings, turned tragic on Wednesday when a stampede claimed the lives of over 30 devotees and injured 90 others. As millions of pilgrims gathered for a holy dip in the sacred rivers, chaos ensued, leading to heartbreaking loss.
Witnesses described a massive push towards the water, causing people to fall and suffocate amidst the dense crowd. Some pointed to closed routes that led to a standstill, worsening the situation. \"It was terrifying; people were screaming and trying to find their loved ones,\" a devotee shared.
In response, Uttar Pradesh state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a judicial inquiry. \"A three-member commission will look into the entire matter and submit its report within a set time limit,\" he stated.
The festival saw over 76 million people take a dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers in Prayagraj on Wednesday alone. Since the event began two weeks ago, nearly 280 million attendees have participated, including notable figures like federal ministers, industrialists, and celebrities.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is a significant spiritual event for devout Hindus who believe the holy dip absolves sins and offers salvation. Officials estimate that the next festival in 2025 could draw around 400 million devotees.
Opposition leaders are criticizing the tragedy as a result of mismanagement, urging improvements in festival arrangements. Local media echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for better crowd planning to prevent future incidents. \"There's much scope for improving crowd management at the Kumbh,\" an editorial in the Hindustan Times noted.
With three more 'royal dips'—considered particularly sacred—scheduled before the festival concludes, there's a pressing call for authorities to enhance safety measures. Let's hope the rest of the festival brings peace and spiritual fulfillment without further incidents. 🙏
Reference(s):
India orders probe into Hindu festival stampede that killed dozens
cgtn.com
