Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Highlights
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Jan 31, 2025, 15:59:23 IST
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Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Highlights

Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has claimed 30 lives, with 25 victims identified so far. Efforts are underway to ascertain the identities of the remaining five.

"Some of these are from other states too... four from Karnataka, one from Assam, one from Gujarat... some injured devotees have been taken away by their relatives. 36 injured are undergoing treatment at the local medical college," said DIG Kumbh Mela Vaibhav Krishna.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the situation remains under control despite an influx of 8-10 crore devotees. He urged devotees to use all available ghats and not rush towards Sangam Nose. Authorities have arranged special trains for returning pilgrims.

To assist devotees, the Mela administration has issued a helpline number, 1920. The Prime Minister, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Governor Anandiben Patel are closely monitoring the situation.
15:13 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Prayagraj Junction at 2.30pm
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Prayagraj Junction at 2.30pm

Credit: Arvind Chauhan/ TNN=

14:58 (IST) Jan 29
Watch: Flower petals showered on saints and seers taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya
14:48 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Mauni Amavasya: Since 7am, 93 outbound trains have transported around 2.37 lakh passengers from Prayagraj, ensuring smooth movement of devotees and visitors.
14:44 (IST) Jan 29
We will vacate the ghats very quickly so that all the devotees who have come here are able to take a holy dip: President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri
14:31 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Akhadas head towards Triveni Sangam with their deities (Video)
14:04 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: 'Kannadigas participating in the Kumbh Mela be a little careful', says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Saddened to hear the news of the stampede that took place at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj this morning, resulting in the loss of many lives. I pray for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the incident and undergoing treatment.

There are reports that some people from the state have been injured in the stampede. Officials have been deployed to bring them all back to the state safely, and the government is making every effort to protect our people.

Kannadigas participating in the Kumbh Mela should be a little careful.
13:45 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: 'I don't have numbers on casualties or injuries', says SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi
Mahakumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna stated that authorities are examining the causes of the stampede-like situation that occurred early Wednesday. He assured that the police and administration would support the Akharas in conducting their traditional processions as the Amrit Snan begins.

"Amrit Snan is about to begin... Everything will be carried out traditionally... The police and administration will assist all the Akharas in their traditional processions... The situation is under control. We are looking into the causes of this morning's incident. It happened because of a huge rush of devotees. More than 10 crore devotees are expected to arrive," Krishna said.

Meanwhile, SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi dismissed reports of a stampede, clarifying that it was a case of overcrowding that led to some injuries. "There was no stampede. It was just overcrowding due to which some devotees got injured. The situation is completely under control. No kind of rumours must be paid heed to... Amrit Snan will soon begin... All preparations for Amrit Snan have been made. Many ghats have been developed and people are easily taking a dip in those ghats. I don't have numbers on casualties or injuries," he said.
13:31 (IST) Jan 29

Before I address today's election rally, I express my condolences towards the families of the people who have lost their lives at the painful accident which occurred in Mahakumbh. I express my sympathies with the affected families. Many people suffered injuries. I am constantly in touch with the Uttar Pradesh govt. For a brief time, the process of holy dip was obstructed but it has been going on smoothly for some hours now: PM Narendra Modi

13:29 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: 'Very unfortunate', says NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule
"What has happened is very unfortunate. I saw Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti ji's statement who is on the ground and she has made a statement that there is mismanagement. She has asked the Army to come in so the UP government must look into it."
13:15 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Seers arrivie at Sangam to take holy dip on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'
13:11 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Telangana CM expresses sadness over stampede at Maha Kumbh
Expressing sadness over the Maha Kumbh stampede, Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday assured his government's readiness to provide assistance. According to an official release, Reddy urged the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure proper treatment for the injured and extend support to the families of those who lost their lives.
13:05 (IST) Jan 29
BJP MP and actress Hema Malini, along with Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara and yoga guru Baba Ramdev, participated in the second 'Amrit Snan' on Mauni Amavasya at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on Wednesday.
13:02 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: 'Deeply saddened', says Odisha LoP and BJD President Naveen Patnaik
“Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives in stampede ahead of Mauni Amavasya holy dip in the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries."
13:01 (IST) Jan 29

Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives in stampede ahead of Mauni Amavasya holy dip in the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.

Odisha LoP and BJD President Naveen Patnaik

12:59 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Locals in Prayagraj have found a new way to serve devotees. A resident of the Suren Sarai area is distributing prasad from his personal car.
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Locals in Prayagraj have found a new way to serve devotees. A resident of the Suren Sarai area is distributing prasad from his personal car.
12:58 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticizes Kumbh Mela arrangements
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has criticized the arrangements for devotees at Mahakumbh, especially after the recent stampede. He raised concerns over inadequate facilities and questioned the administration's effectiveness. Raut also highlighted how visits by Union ministers and VIPs were adding pressure to the system.

"The Kumbh is a matter of faith. What arrangements have been made for the devotees there? Women are having to sleep on roads," Raut said. He pointed out that during Akhilesh Yadav's tenure, the arrangements at the Kumbh had been much better, saying, "During Akhilesh Yadav's tenure, the arrangements at Kumbh were the best."
12:49 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Saints continue to arrive in smaller processions at Triveni Sangam for second Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya
12:36 (IST) Jan 29

The accident that happened in the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is extremely painful. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families of those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. Under the guidance of the chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government and the local administration are providing all possible help to the victims.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

12:33 (IST) Jan 29

The stampede at Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. I express my condolences to the families of the injured devotees and pray to God that all the injured devotees recover soon: President Droupadi Murmu

12:30 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: 'We are waiting for the 'Amrit Snan' of Akharas to begin', says Kumbh Mela SSP Rajesh Dwivedi
"As you can see that ghat is completely empty now and we are waiting for the 'Amrit Snan' of Akharas to begin. Devotees are also taking holy dip with ease at various ghats, and we hope that 'Amrit Snan' will also be completed successfully. Whatever happened in the morning was an accident, it happened suddenly. We will look into the reasons... injured are being treated. There was no security lapse."
12:29 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Uttarakhand government releases toll-free numbers to assist its citizens
According to news agency ANI, Uttarakhand government released toll-free numbers to assist its citizens attending the Mahakumbh in UP's Prayagraj

People who are visiting Prayagraj for Mahakumbh from the state can get any kind of help by calling toll-free numbers - 1070, 8218867005, 9058441404, reads the statement.
11:51 (IST) Jan 29

The accident that happened in Prayagraj Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. My deepest condolences to the devotees who have lost their loved ones in this. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured. The local administration is engaged in helping the victims in every possible way. In this regard, I have spoken to Chief Minister Yogi ji and I am constantly in touch with the state government: PM Narendra Modi

11:40 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: "Administration's mismanagement responsible for this", says Rahul Gandhi on Maha Kumbh incident
11:38 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: DIG Maha Kumbh orders horse-mounted police to clear Triveni Sangam Ghat
DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna has instructed horse-mounted police personnel to help clear devotees from the Triveni Sangam ghat. To ensure the safety of devotees amid the large crowds on Mauni Amavasya, a Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, accompanied by a sniffer dog, conducted regular security checks in the area.

Speaking to ANI, Krishna discussed the ongoing crowd control efforts at Triveni Sangam for Mahakumbh 2025, as over 10 crore people were expected to arrive for the holy dip today.

"We anticipate more than 10 crore people today. Our officials and personnel have been managing crowd control since yesterday evening, and devotees are bathing peacefully at all the ghats," Vaibhav Krishna stated. He acknowledged the strain caused by the morning crowd but mentioned that many Akharas had agreed to postpone their snan, which has helped authorities manage the situation more effectively.
11:22 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede 2025 Live: ABVP president Ravindra Puri on Akhara's Holy Dip at Maha Kumbh
ABVP President Ravindra Puri stated that when the deity and dhwaja (flag) of the Akhara take the holy dip, it is as if all members of the Akhara have bathed at the Sangam. He added that many of the seers have already completed their holy dip, and several members will take their dip at the Ganga ghats near their respective camps.
11:18 (IST) Jan 29

"The news of several people being killed and many being injured due to stampede at Prayagraj Mahakumbh is extremely sad. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of the injured. Mismanagement and administration's special focus on VIP movement instead of common devotees are responsible for this tragic incident.There is still a lot of time left for the Maha Kumbh, many more Mahasnans are to take place. The government should improve the system to prevent a tragic incident like today from happening again.VIP culture should be curbed and the government should make better arrangements to meet the needs of common devotees.I request Congress workers and leaders to help the affected families."- LoP Rahul Gandhi

11:06 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede 2025 Live: Security forces clear barricaded areas
The police, RPF, and paramilitary forces have cleared the area that was specifically barricaded for the Akharas. The Akharas have decided to shorten their procession and will work to clear the ghats as quickly as possible for the next Akhara. The Akharas are arriving with their deities, which are also being immersed in the Ganga.
11:03 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Police are trying to vacate the Akhara Marg amid huge influx of devotees
10:58 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: Saints begin procession towards Triveni Sangam for second Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya
10:50 (IST) Jan 29

We are trying that people go for 'snan' in less numbers. People from across the world have come here, so everyone should get an opportunity for 'snan'. The ghats are crowded at the moment, so we want few people to come with us. We are holding discussions with the administration, we will see what is decided.

Head of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad Mahant Ravindra Puri

10:44 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede 2025 Live: DIG Mahakumbh, Vaibhav Krishna orders horse-mounted police to move devotees and vacate Triveni Sangam Ghat
10:40 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede Live: CM Yogi Adityanath urges devotees to follow guidelines for Maha Kumbh
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath took to social media platform X on Wednesday, urging devotees attending the Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj to follow the administration's instructions.

"Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj, dear devotees, Please take your holy bath at the ghat nearest to you, and do not attempt to go towards the Sangam Nose. Kindly follow all the instructions given by the administration and cooperate in maintaining order," Yogi Adityanath wrote in his post.

He also noted that a bath is taking place at all the ghats of the Sangam. "Do not pay any attention to rumors," the CM added.
10:35 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh Stampede 2025 Live: 'I appeal to the devotees, saints to not believe any rumour', says CM Yogi Adityanath
10:27 (IST) Jan 29

Today is Mauni Amavasya. A huge crowd is there at the Maha Kumbh, around 8-10 crore devotees are there in Prayagraj. Yesterday, 5.5 crore people took holy dip. There is a pressure at Sangam nose. Some devotees got injured trying to cross the barricade. They are getting treated. Some of them are seriously injured. The crowd started coming when Mauni Amavasya commenced. PM Modi is monitoring the situation since morning and called me four times so far. Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and Governor Anandiben Patel are taking constant reports. A high-level meeting is going on where Chief Secretary, DGP are present. At present, the situation is in control in Prayagraj, but pressure of crowd has been intact. I have also talked to saints, they said that devotees will take holy dip first and then they will take the dip.- UP CM Yogi Adityanath

10:02 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: 'Yogi ji invited crores of people, amid all this, he should have been there', says AAP national spokesperson Anurag Dhanda
"It is a very sad news. I just want to say that when it was organised on such a large scale, Yogi ji invited crores of people there, amid all this, he should have been there, but he came to Delhi for political campaign. It is a very big event, it should have been taken seriously. People are saying that all the efforts went into security of VIPs, common people were left. In Dharma, everyone is equal. We are with the people affected by the stampede."
09:51 (IST) Jan 29
Maha Kumbh stampede Live : Congress slams Centre, BJP govt for 'half-baked' arrangements
The Congress criticised both the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government over the "stampede-like" situation at the Sangam, urging that the Maha Kumbh be managed by someone more capable than chief minister Yogi Adityanath and that the movement of VVIPs be halted.

Authorities reported multiple casualties were feared after the chaotic scene at the Sangam, as millions of pilgrims gathered for the holy bath on Mauni Amavasya. In response to the incident, the Akharas canceled their traditional 'Amrit Snan' for the day, while large numbers of devotees continued to bathe at Sangam and other ghats in the Mela area.
09:46 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: 'Situation under control', Mela administration is currently clearing the barricaded area
The mela administration is currently clearing the barricaded area designated for the Akharas' bathing at Sangam Nose. Once the area is cleared and cleaned by the staff, the Akharas will be able to proceed with the Amrit Snan.
09:38 (IST) Jan 29
Breaking: No plan to cancel any special train, says Ministry of Railways
According to news agency ANI, the Railways has planned to run more than 360 trains from the various stations in the Prayagraj region today. As of now, there is no plan to cancel any special train, says Ministry of Railways
09:35 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya Live: 'Constantly monitoring'
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath is constantly monitoring the situation at Mahakumbh. Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary-Home, CM Office officials and ADG Law and Order are present in the war room set up for Mahakumbh 2025: CMO
09:32 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: 'Extremely heart-wrenching', says Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge
"During the Maha Kumbh, the news of stampede on the banks of Teerthraj Sangam in which several people lost their lives an​d many others got injured is extremely heart-wrenching. Our deepest condolences to the families of the devotees and we wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. Our Congress workers are requested to provide all possible help to the victims."
09:08 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: 'Extremely sad', says Arvind Kejriwal
"The stampede incident in Maha Kumbh is extremely sad. I pray for the peace of the souls of the devotees who lost their lives in this accident. May God give strength to their families to bear this immense sorrow. A humble appeal to all devotees is to maintain patience and be cautious. Follow the instructions of the administration and take care of each other's safety.": AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal
09:05 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: '1.76 crore people take holy dip by 7am'
A massive crowd of devotees continues to gather in the Maha Kumbh area to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. A total of 1.76 crore people have taken the holy dip today until 6 am, and 19.94 crore people have taken the holy dip as of January 28, according to the UP government.
09:00 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: 'Will participate in the Amrit Snan only after 10am'
ABVP President Ravindra Puri stated that the Akharas will participate in the Amrit Snan only after 10 am, and this will depend on assessing the number of devotees at the Sangam Nose.
08:53 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: PM Narendra Modi speaks to Yogi Adityanath for the third time
PM Modi is continuously monitoring the situation in Mahakumbh and is in constant contact with the State government. He has spoken with the CM three times till now and is giving directions for normalisation of situation and relief, according news agency ANI.
08:47 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya Live: 'We have cancelled all the planned programmes'
"We have cancelled all the planned programmes and told the people that at this time, the only worship is to pray for people affected by the stampede wherever they are. There is no need to go together for holy dip at Sangam, I would urge them to take holy dip wherever they are. Safety of people is the 'snan' at the moment. PM Modi immediately talked to CM Yogi two times. A big crowd has come. We have done a 'shanti puja'."
08:45 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: 'Make additional arrangements for the stay, accommodation, food, water', Akhilesh Yadav posts on 'X'
We appeal to our government to:

Seriously injured people should be taken to the nearest best hospitals with the help of air ambulance and immediate medical treatment should be provided.
Arrangements should be made to identify the bodies of the deceased and hand them over to their relatives and send them to their place of residence.
Urgent efforts should be made to reunite those who have been separated.

Surveillance should be increased by making good use of helicopters.

Keeping the unbroken tradition of 'Royal Bath' going on since the Satya Yuga, arrangements should be made to conduct the 'Royal Bath of Mauni Amavasya' amidst safe management parallel to relief work.

We also appeal to the devotees to exercise restraint and patience in this difficult time and complete their pilgrimage peacefully. The government should learn a lesson from today's incident and make additional arrangements for the stay, accommodation, food, water and other facilities of the devotees.
08:41 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: Drone captures sea of devotees taking a holy dip at Sangam
08:36 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: 'Extremely sad and worrying', says BSP President Mayawati
“In the stampede that took place during the Maha Kumbh at the Sangam site in Prayagraj, all the devotees who lost their lives and got injured. This incident is extremely sad and worrying. At such a time, the party wishes that nature gives the victims the strength to bear this grief,” posts BSP President Mayawati
08:31 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: Police blocked off routes to manage the movement of devotees
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: Police blocked off routes to manage the movement of devotees

Image Credit: Kapil Dixit/ TNN

08:23 (IST) Jan 29
Mauni Amavasya 2025 Live: Spiritual Guru Devkinandan Thakur urges caution after reports of a stampede at Sangam
"I just returned after taking a dip in the Ganga, and I received a message that there was some stampede at Sangam. I request everyone to remain calm, as Sangam is extremely crowded right now. I chose to bathe in the Ganga instead of Sangam for this reason, and I still received the same spiritual benefits. Please do not believe in rumors, as authorities are handling the situation. I urge people not to take elderly and children to Sangam at this moment."
27 More Updates
Stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has resulted in 30 deaths and 36 injuries. While 25 victims have been identified, efforts are ongoing to ascertain the identities of the remaining five.

"Some of these are from other states too... four from Karnataka, one from Assam, one from Gujarat... some injured devotees have been taken away by their relatives. 36 injured are undergoing treatment at the local medical college," said DIG Kumbh Mela Vaibhav Krishna.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured that the situation is under control despite the overwhelming presence of 8-10 crore devotees. "Since the Mauni Amavasya mahurat began last night, a significant number of devotees have been arriving. The Prime Minister has assessed the situation four times so far. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Anandiben Patel are also receiving continuous updates," he said.

Authorities have urged devotees to avoid overcrowding at Sangam Nose, as multiple ghats have been set up across the Kumbh area. Saints have suggested that devotees take their holy dip first, with Akharas proceeding once the crowd size decreases.

To assist devotees, the Mela administration has issued a helpline number, 1920. The Railways have arranged special trains from Prayagraj to facilitate the return of pilgrims. Medical teams are on standby, ensuring proper treatment for the injured.

Security forces are monitoring key areas, including Sangam Nose, Nag Vasuki Marg, and Sangam Marg, to prevent further incidents. The administration has urged devotees to ignore rumors and follow official safety guidelines.

PIL filed in Supreme Court seeking directions, policy and regulations to state governments to prevent stampede at crowded places like Maha Kumbh.

PIL filed by a lawyer sought direction that VIP movement shall not affect or create danger to the common devotees' safety and maximum space for entry and exit of devotees at Maha Kumbh shall be provided.

The PIL also sought direction to Uttar Pradesh government to submit status report on Maha Kumbh 2025 stampede incident that took place on January 29 and also direct to initiate legal action against the persons, authorities and officials for their negligent conduct.