A tragic stampede unfolded at the Sangam in Prayagraj on Wednesday morning as lakhs of devotees gathered for the sacred Mauni Amavasya ‘Amrit Snan.’ The overwhelming crowd led to a stampede, leaving at least 15 feared dead and several injured.
In response to the incident, Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, announced that the seers had decided to call off their Amrit Snan. Traditionally, Akharas from the three sects—Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen—take their dip in an orderly procession, but this year’s gathering turned chaotic.
Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede began around 2:30 am when crores of devotees surged towards the Triveni Sangam. The fall of some women in the dense crowd triggered panic, worsening the situation. Despite public address announcements urging people to clear the area, many left without completing their sacred ritual.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasizing immediate relief efforts. Ambulances rushed the injured to a temporary hospital. CM Yogi urged devotees to follow instructions and avoid rumors.
This year’s Mauni Amavasya held special significance due to the rare ‘Triveni Yog,’ which occurs once every 144 years, but for many, the day turned into a heartbreaking tragedy.
