Maha Kumbh Stampede: Devkinandan Thakur Urges Devotees To Avoid Overcrowding At Sangam

A tragic stampede at the Sangam Ghat in Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh 2025 has raised concerns over crowd management, prompting spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur to urge devotees to avoid overcrowding at the sacred confluence. His statement came after a deadly rush in the early hours of Wednesday, during the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan, left several dead and injured.

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Stampede at Sangam Ghat Claims Lives

The stampede occurred around 2:30 AM as thousands of devotees gathered for a holy dip at the Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Eyewitnesses reported that the situation worsened when people, carrying heavy belongings, lost their balance and fell due to unseen obstacles like iron dustbins. Panic ensued as others in the crowd began pushing, triggering a deadly crush. While officials have not confirmed the number of casualties, sources indicate that at least 15 bodies have been taken to hospitals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally reached out to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take stock of the situation and assess the measures being taken for crowd control.

Devkinandan Thakur's Appeal After the Tragedy

Following the incident, spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur addressed devotees, urging them not to insist on taking a dip only at the Sangam Ghat. He emphasized that the sacred waters of the Ganga and Yamuna are filled with divine energy across their entire stretch, stating,
"I did not go to the Sangam Ghat because of the massive crowds. I appeal to devotees not to insist on bathing at the Sangam alone. Right now, the entire Ganga and Yamuna are 'Amrit' (nectar)."

His appeal comes as authorities struggle to manage the overwhelming influx of pilgrims, with over 10 crore devotees expected at the Maha Kumbh for Mauni Amavasya alone.

Maha Kumbh 2025: A Historic Pilgrimage

The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13 and will continue until February 26, is witnessing an unprecedented turnout. This year's gathering holds special significance due to the occurrence of 'Triveni Yog,' a rare celestial alignment taking place after 144 years, further elevating the spiritual importance of the event.

The Uttar Pradesh government estimates that over 45 crore people will participate in the 2025 Maha Kumbh. With such massive crowds, concerns over safety and crowd management remain paramount as authorities work to prevent further mishaps.

As the pilgrimage continues, religious leaders and officials are urging devotees to follow safety guidelines and distribute themselves across various ghats to avoid overcrowding at the Sangam.