On January 29, 2025, at the Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, a devastating crowd crush occurred resulting in the deaths of at least 38 individuals, with numbers feared to be higher. The incident took place early in the morning as people surged forward to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Security personnel struggled to manage the overwhelming crowds, leading to multiple stampedes.
The Uttar Pradesh government has not yet released an official statement, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for immediate measures. Religious leaders have urged pilgrims to avoid the main bathing site and find alternative locations. The Kumbh Mela is a massive event held every 12 years and this year’s festival was particularly significant, with expectations of over 400 million attendees. The tragedy has caused chaos and scenes of desperation as people search for missing loved ones.
