As news of a stampede-like incident spread, the atmosphere at the Sangam remained charged with devotion. The crowds, unshaken by the events that unfolded in the early hours, continued to throng the ghats, undeterred in their determination to take a holy dip. This enduring devotion to the sacred rivers, especially on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya, underscores the spiritual significance of the occasion. However, authorities are urging devotees to exercise caution and avoid the Sangam region, which is a focal point of religious activities during this period. Instead, they have been asked to take a dip at any of the nearby ghats to ease congestion and prevent further chaos. In response to the unfolding situation, the Akharas decided to resume the Amrit Snan, ensuring that the spiritual rituals continued.
High-Level Intervention: PM Modi and CM Yogi Lead the Efforts
In response to the developing situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times within a short span, directing him to ensure that the situation remains under control. The Prime Minister has been continuously monitoring the scenario and has called for immediate measures to help the authorities manage the crowds effectively.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in his communication with the public, has reiterated the need for caution, emphasising that devotees should avoid the Sangam nose and go to the nearest ghat for the holy dip. He further appealed to the public to follow the instructions of the administration and refrain from rumours or misinformation, which could escalate the situation.
#WATCH | Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says," The situation in Prayagraj is under control…"
"Around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj today. There is continuous pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose. A few devotees have… pic.twitter.com/lOc1OIraqm
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to CM Yogi Adityanath to offer support and assured the Centre’s full cooperation in managing the ongoing situation.
Akharas Opt for Caution, Postpone Snan
In the wake of the chaos, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, which oversees the Akharas at the Kumbh Mela, made a significant decision to cancel the Amrit Snan for today. The Parishad’s president, Ravindra Puri, acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that the massive crowds at the Sangam Ghat had contributed to the chaos. He appealed to the devotees to come back on Vasant Panchami for the next bath, urging them to take a dip wherever they could rather than insist on reaching the Sangam Ghat.
#WATCH | #MahaKumbh2025 | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri says, "We are saddened by the incident that took place. There were thousands of devotees with us… In the public interest, we decided that the Akharas will not… pic.twitter.com/3HHkYjG11G
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025
Ravindra Puri highlighted that the incident was caused by an overwhelming rush of devotees trying to reach the Sangam, and it was not the fault of the administration, which had made every effort to manage the crowd. His statement underscored the need for collective cooperation to ensure the safety of all attendees.
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti Calls for Caution
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, a prominent religious leader, also expressed her grief over the situation. She echoed the call for devotees to take a bath at any of the ghats and not just the Triveni Ghat, emphasising that the entire Mela Kshetra, or the Kumbh area, is sacred. She stressed that safety should be the priority at this moment, and the holy dip could be taken anywhere, not necessarily at Sangam.
Community Leaders Call for Safety Amidst Devotion
The situation prompted various other religious leaders to speak out. Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji, in a video message, urged devotees to avoid crowding at Sangam Ghat and stay in their camps for their own safety. He explained that, given the overwhelming crowds, the priority should now be the safety and well-being of every devotee, with the holy dip being symbolic of spiritual practice rather than a geographic location.
Administrative Response and Public Safety
As the situation unfolded, the Uttar Pradesh government, along with local authorities, acted swiftly. Over 50 ambulances and National Security Guard (NSG) teams were deployed immediately to the affected area, with efforts to clear the congestion and treat those injured in the stampede. A green corridor was established to transport the injured to hospitals in Prayagraj, and authorities continued to make loudspeaker announcements to guide people and avoid panic.
Mauni Amavasya,’ which marks the day of the second Shahi Snan, is expected to draw a crowd of 80-100 million people. Other significant bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami–Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
