Maha Kumbh Stampede: CM Yogi Adityanath appeals pilgrims to avoid 'Sangam Nose' after several feared dead during Mauni Amavasya

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday urged people to take a dip at their nearest ghats instead of heading to the Sangam Nose to prevent overcrowding, after a stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj left several injured as millions of devotess gathered for holy dip on 'Mauni Amavasya', officials said.

According to an official statement, Adityanath held a high-level meeting with top officials, including the chief secretary and director general of police, to assess the situation. He also appealed to devotees not to believe in rumours and to rely on official announcements for information.  

"All ghats hold equal spiritual significance and reaching the main confluence point should not be a priority," the statement quoted the chief minister as saying.

Earlier in the day, a stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh’s Sangam left multiple casualties feared, as millions of pilgrims gathered for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya, the most significant ritual of the festival.  

This year’s Mauni Amavasya holds heightened spiritual significance due to a rare celestial alignment, ‘Triveni Yog,’ occurring after 144 years. The ‘Amrit Snan’ was expected to draw nearly 10 crore devotees.  

To manage the crowd, multiple bathing ghats were designated across the Mela area. Adityanath, monitoring the situation from a war room, convened a high-level meeting at his residence with the chief secretary, DGP, principal secretary (home), ADG (law and order), and CM secretariat officials.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Adityanath following the incident and called for immediate relief measures. Officials said Modi has been in constant touch with the state government and has spoken to the chief minister three times to review the situation and ensure swift action.  

In response to the incident, akharas called off their traditional ‘Amrit Snan’ for Mauni Amavasya, though large numbers of devotees continued their holy dip at Sangam and other ghats.

(With PTI Inputs)