At least 15 people are feared dead following a stampede at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, a massive Hindu festival regarded as the world’s largest religious gathering India, according to the Hindustan Times.
However, authorities have yet to officially confirm any fatalities resulting from the incident.
The festival, which began earlier this month in Uttar Pradesh, witnessed the tragic event on Mauni Amavasya, considered the most auspicious day of the celebration.
With local authorities anticipating a record turnout of 100 million devotees, the scale of the gathering was immense.
Expressing his sorrow over the incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “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,” Modi stated.
He further assured that the local administration is “engaged in helping the victims in every possible way.”
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a sacred event held every 12 years, takes place along the riverbanks of Prayagraj.
The 2025 edition, running from January 13 to February 26, is expected to draw an estimated 400 million participants.
Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism, as it is home to the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
