2025-01-29 22:07:45.082

A stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, India, on January 29, 2025, killed at least 30 people and injured 60 more. Millions of pilgrims had gathered for a ritual bath at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, a sacred event during the six-week Hindu festival. The stampede occurred when pilgrims surged past barricades set up for a procession of holy men. Witnesses described chaotic scenes of pushing and falling, with no escape. Authorities, including Uttar Pradesh’s top official Yogi Adityanath, responded, urging pilgrims to use other bathing areas. Despite the tragedy, millions continued to attend the festival. The incident drew criticism from opposition leaders who blamed mismanagement and VIP culture. The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, is expected to draw over 400 million people in total. This is not the first stampede at the festival; a similar incident in 2013 resulted in at least 40 deaths. Deadly stampedes are a recurring issue at large religious gatherings in India.