A devastating stampede has claimed at least 10 lives and left over 40 others injured during the Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj on the morning of Mauni Amavasya, a key bathing day in the festival. Thousands of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam ghat for the sacred 'Amrit Snan' (holy dip), the most significant bathing ritual of the event. The sheer volume of people led to a chaotic situation, with many falling victim to the stampede.
The incident occurred amidst a heavy rush of devotees, overwhelming the area’s capacity. Authorities are working to confirm the exact death toll, but it’s expected to rise as more details emerge. The stampede has shocked the nation, with many expressing grief over the loss of lives and injuries sustained by innocent people in the pursuit of religious faith.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other ministers, has offered full support to the Uttar Pradesh government, promising assistance in managing the situation. Although initially, the Akharas (spiritual orders) decided to call off their 'Amrit Snan' due to the overcrowding, they have since resumed their rituals after better crowd management measures were put in place.
Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, reassured devotees that the rituals would continue, albeit on a smaller scale. He stated that the Akharas would not rush through the process, even suggesting they could perform the 'snan' later in the day or at night if needed.
In the wake of the disaster, Puri urged devotees to remain calm and avoid rushing to the Sangam. He emphasized that many ghats along the river are suitable for taking a holy dip, and it’s more important for people to stay safe. The Akharas are in regular communication with the Mela administration, working together to ensure smoother proceedings for the remaining days.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing challenges of managing such a massive gathering. The Maha Kumbh Mela, which draws millions of devotees from across the globe, continues to be a celebration of faith and spirituality, but safety must remain a top priority. Authorities are urging the public to follow official guidelines and be mindful of crowd control measures in place during the remainder of the festival.

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