At least a dozen worshippers have reportedly died in a stampede at the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, according to eyewitnesses and hospital sources. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday as massive crowds gathered for the most significant bathing day of the festival.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed that several pilgrims sustained serious injuries but did not provide specific numbers or comment on reports of fatalities.
The stampede took place between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM local time (19:30–20:30 GMT) when some devotees attempted to bypass police barricades to reach Sangam Nose—the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Many Hindus believe that bathing in these waters washes away sins and grants salvation.
Wednesday is being observed as Mauni Amavasya, a day dedicated to silent introspection, and is considered the most auspicious day for ritual bathing during the Kumbh Mela. Authorities had estimated that up to 100 million people would attend the event, with more than 36 million having already bathed by 10:00 AM local time.
The day’s main event, the Shahi Snan (royal bath), traditionally features thousands of ash-covered ascetics plunging into the river. Initially, the ascetics announced they would cancel their participation, but later stated they would proceed with a scaled-down procession.
Authorities are currently managing the aftermath of the stampede and monitoring crowd control measures to prevent further incidents.
