The tragedy unfolded Wednesday morning when devotees, in anticipation of one of the auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, surged towards the riverbanks. Both official sources and eyewitness accounts reveal that some individuals, who were resting on the ground, fell victim to the intense crowd movement.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, attracts massive participation from across India, and this year's event was set to gather an unprecedented estimated 400 million attendees over a six-week period due to favorable astrological conditions. The Uttar Pradesh state government had constructed a temporary city along the Ganges with essential facilities to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
Despite efforts to enhance safety measures following past incidents—such as the tragic crowd crush in 2013 that claimed 42 lives—the weight of tradition and devotion proved overwhelming. Authorities had invested in advanced monitoring technology for crowd management, hoping to manage the flow of people. However, a combination of urging by festival staff and the inability of police to clear the bathing zones resulted in chaos.
As the events continue to unfold, local authorities are working to provide assistance, while safety protocols are under scrutiny. The current situation remains critical, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, attracts massive participation from across India, and this year's event was set to gather an unprecedented estimated 400 million attendees over a six-week period due to favorable astrological conditions. The Uttar Pradesh state government had constructed a temporary city along the Ganges with essential facilities to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
Despite efforts to enhance safety measures following past incidents—such as the tragic crowd crush in 2013 that claimed 42 lives—the weight of tradition and devotion proved overwhelming. Authorities had invested in advanced monitoring technology for crowd management, hoping to manage the flow of people. However, a combination of urging by festival staff and the inability of police to clear the bathing zones resulted in chaos.
As the events continue to unfold, local authorities are working to provide assistance, while safety protocols are under scrutiny. The current situation remains critical, with updates expected as more information becomes available.
