Mahakumbh 2025: Akharas Call Off Amrit Snan After Tragic Stampede at Prayagraj’s Sangam
Tragic Stampede at Prayagraj’s Sangam During Mahakumbh 2025: Akharas Cancel Amrit Snan
The Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj was marred by a heartbreaking stampede on Wednesday as thousands of devotees gathered at the Sangam for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. Amid the surge of crowds, officials and onlookers reported the tragic loss of lives, with at least 15 bodies being brought to hospitals. In response to the tragedy, the Akharas, traditional religious groups that organize major events during the Kumbh Mela, decided to cancel their much-anticipated ‘Amrit Snan’ for the day, urging for better crowd control and safety measures.
Mauni Amavasya: A Day of Spiritual Significance
Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days during the Mahakumbh, attracts millions of pilgrims who believe that bathing at the Sangam—a confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati river—on this day washes away sins and brings spiritual cleansing. This year, the number of devotees flocking to the ghats for the holy dip was unprecedented, leading to overcrowding and chaos. The event, renowned for its spiritual significance, quickly became a scene of tragedy due to poor crowd management.
Eyewitness Account of the Stampede
An eyewitness to the incident, a Prayagraj-based social media content creator, recounted the horrifying moments that led to the stampede around 2:30 a.m. as the first wave of pilgrims arrived at the Sangam banks. “The crowd was so dense that people had no idea where to go after their bath. Many were carrying heavy bags, and the area was filled with iron dustbins that people couldn’t see in the darkness,” he explained. As devotees struggled to maintain their balance, some fell, causing others to trip and adding to the panic. “People were lying on the ground, luggage scattered everywhere. It was chaos,” the eyewitness recalled.
The content creator also shared that he sustained an injury in the chaos but managed to help his family and others in distress. “Youngsters in the crowd began pushing, and that is when the stampede occurred,” he added.
Government and Emergency Response
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah contacted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to discuss the gravity of the situation. The state government immediately ordered increased security and emergency measures. To prevent further escalation, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to help manage the crowd and ensure safety across the region.
Despite the cancellation of the traditional Amrit Snan by the Akharas, devotees continued to gather at various ghats in the area, some undeterred by the earlier events. Local authorities, however, urged pilgrims to remain cautious and abide by the safety protocols established for the event.
Akharas’ Decision to Call Off Amrit Snan
The decision by the Akharas to call off the ‘Amrit Snan’ for Mauni Amavasya was made in light of the unfolding crisis. Traditionally, this sacred bathing ritual is observed by thousands of ascetics and devotees, but given the stampede’s tragic aftermath, the Akharas expressed their concern over the safety of the pilgrims.
The Akharas are influential religious organizations that play a crucial role in the organization of the Kumbh Mela. Their decision to cancel the ritual reflects the growing concern over crowd management and the need for effective safety measures in one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
Crowd Management and Safety Concerns
The stampede has reignited discussions about the importance of effective crowd management during large-scale religious events. With millions of devotees attending the Mahakumbh, ensuring their safety is a complex task that requires meticulous planning, proper infrastructure, and real-time monitoring. In recent years, authorities have faced significant challenges in managing overcrowding, especially during peak days like Mauni Amavasya.
Experts argue that clearer signage, better lighting, and a more structured flow of people could have prevented the chaos at the Sangam. Furthermore, security personnel should be more visible, and emergency medical teams should be on standby to assist victims quickly. Enhanced coordination between local authorities, the Akharas, and the police force is also essential to mitigate such risks in the future.
Conclusion: A Call for Improved Crowd Control at Future Religious Gatherings
The stampede at the Mahakumbh 2025 is a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with large gatherings. As the pilgrimage continues, authorities are now under immense pressure to ensure that no further tragedies occur. While the Akharas have called off their traditional Amrit Snan, the focus is now on restoring safety and preventing further loss of life.
With the deployment of the Rapid Action Force and other measures being implemented, there is hope that future events can be held safely without any further incidents. The tragic events of Mauni Amavasya at Prayagraj underscore the need for comprehensive planning and heightened safety protocols during large-scale religious festivals.