“Tragedy Strikes as Millions Gather for Mauni Amavasya Dip at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj”
Millions of devotees gathered at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday to take a sacred dip at the Sangam, where the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge. This year’s Kumbh Mela holds exceptional significance due to a rare planetary alignment, making it a once-in-144-years event. The spiritual energy of Mauni Amavasya added to the sanctity of the occasion, drawing an overwhelming number of worshippers.
The sacred festival saw an unprecedented turnout as millions of people thronged the ghats to perform the traditional Amrit Snan. By 8:30 am on Wednesday, approximately 35 million devotees had taken a dip, with a total crowd of nearly 90 million at the venue. The number was expected to reach 100 million by the end of the day. However, the overwhelming rush led to a tragic stampede between 1 am and 2 am, claiming ten lives and injuring many others. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attributed the incident to overcrowding and urged people to opt for nearby ghats instead of rushing toward the main Sangam.
Mauni Amavasya holds immense spiritual importance, deeply rooted in Hindu traditions. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy confluence on this auspicious day grants salvation and absolves one of past sins. The word ‘Mauni’ originates from the Sanskrit term ‘mauna,’ meaning ‘silence,’ while ‘Amavasya’ refers to the new moon day. As per the Hindu calendar, this sacred event occurs in the month of Magha. This year, Mauni Amavasya began on January 28 at 7:35 pm and ended on January 29 at 6:05 pm.
The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is one of the four key bathing rituals of the Kumbh Mela. Saints, sadhus, and akharas lead grand processions before immersing themselves in the holy waters, symbolizing spiritual purification and divine connection. Many believe that the energies of the universe are at their peak on this day, making the holy dip exceptionally powerful. Devotees have faith that this sacred bath removes Pitru Dosha, alleviating ancestral karmic imbalances, and marks the end of the cycle of reincarnation.
Spiritual leader Sadhguru emphasized the profound significance of Mauni Amavasya, explaining that silence is a powerful means to transcend worldly limitations. He highlighted that the influence of celestial bodies affects all water bodies, including the human body, which is composed of over 70% water. The period between Mauni Amavasya and Mahashivratri is considered an ideal time for spiritual practices.
The massive influx of devotees led to a tragic stampede as people rushed to the Sangam, breaking through barricades in an attempt to reach the holy waters. The chaos unfolded between 1 am and 2 am when devotees attempted to cross restricted areas meant for religious saints. In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to assess the situation. Expressing grief over the incident, the Prime Minister called the tragedy “extremely sad” and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
Despite the unfortunate incident, the sacred Amrit Snan continued as planned, with millions of devotees immersing themselves in the divine waters, seeking blessings, peace, and spiritual liberation.
