The Kumbh Mela festival, a significant event in the Hindu religious calendar, has been marred by tragedy this year with multiple stampedes resulting in numerous casualties. The festival, which occurs every 12 years, is currently being held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. This year's Maha Kumbh Mela, which only occurs once every 144 years, attracted an estimated 400 million people over its 45-day duration. However, the festival's spiritual and economic significance has been overshadowed by a series of stampedes that have left at least 200 injured and a death toll ranging from 15 to 50.
The Kumbh Mela is dubbed the "festival of festivals" within the Hindu community. It draws a diverse mix of sadhus or holy men, ascetics, pilgrims, and tourists who seek spiritual renewal and self-reflection. This year’s gathering was expected to be particularly grand due to its rare occurrence. The event is not only a spiritual observance but also a substantial economic opportunity for the local community, with vendors selling various goods and services to the influx of pilgrims.
Attendees were encouraged by the government to participate in the ritual bathing by taking two dips in the river and then promptly leaving the site, warning that a third dip would be considered sinful. Despite these precautions, chaos erupted during the festival.
“We were near the sangam [river] and wanted to take a bath. But before we could get in the water there was a commotion and people started falling on each other. We were three people, me, my mother and my aunt. There was a sudden push that was so forceful that I could only hold one person but I lost the hand of my aunt. I somehow managed to grab my mother and we dragged ourselves out.” – Manoj Kumar Paswan
Witnesses described scenes of panic as people tried to escape the pushing crowds. Saroj Bhagri recounted his experience during one of the stampedes.
“I saw people falling to the ground and shouting, and people started treading on each other. I tried to rescue as many people as possible but I could only get hold of my wife and another woman. I dragged them out. I saw around 20 bodies who were clearly dead on the floor who had been crushed and others were lying there injured crying out for help.” – Saroj Bhagri
The exact number of fatalities remains unclear as official figures have yet to be released. A paramilitary officer reported witnessing significant casualties firsthand.
“There were multiple stampedes. There were at least 200 injured and I’d say around 50 dead. I saw them with my own eyes.” – A paramilitary officer
Further accounts from attendees highlight the chaotic moments leading up to the stampedes.
“We were very close to the river and there was a big push. People from opposite directions started going towards each other and collided and then started pushing each other, trying to find their way out.” – Narayan Singh Lodhi
The Kumbh Mela is traditionally a time for spiritual introspection and community bonding, celebrating Hindu faith in a collective expression of devotion. The festival's impact extends beyond spirituality, providing a vital economic boost for local businesses that cater to millions of visitors.