Maha Kumbh stampede: PM Modi closely monitoring the situation, speaks to UP CM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation at the MahaKumbh following a stampede-like incident early in the morning.

He remains in constant communication with the state government and has spoken with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times this morning, providing directives to help normalize the situation and facilitate relief efforts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reached out to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the wake of the incident at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Mahakumbh Mela. Shah assured Adityanath of the Centre’s full support in handling the situation.

After the Akharas initially called off the Holy Dip for the day, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri, confirmed that the Akharas will now resume their 'snan' today.

He emphasized that they are maintaining continuous communication with the Mela administration. Speaking to ANI, Puri said, "Our snan was postponed in the morning after a massive crowd gathered at the ghats. We tried to postpone our plan. Now that the crowd has reduced and the ghats meant for our snan are being vacated, it seems that all Akharas will be able to do snan today... We all, our all Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Naga Sadhus and devotees, will take a holy dip today..."

Puri further stated that the Akharas would still hold their traditional procession, albeit on a smaller scale. He also mentioned that the holy dip could take place even at night. "Our processions will be carried out as usual according to our tradition but will be on a smaller scale... We are in regular contact with the Mela administration... We have a lot of time and we are in no hurry. We can do snan even at night, as it is Mauni Amavasya today..." he added.

Following the stampede-like situation at Mahakumbh, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad attributed the incident to the "spread of misinformation."

He remarked, "In the morning, misinformation was spread to create fear in the minds of people. And they succeeded. In the morning when we talked to everyone, we found that the reality was different and a lot of rumours were spread... I want to urge people to not run towards Sangam and take a dip wherever they find Ganga ji..."

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees to take their holy dip at the nearest available ghat instead of converging at a single location.

He posted on X, "Dear devotees, come to Prayagraj. Take a bath at the ghat of Mother Ganga near which you are; do not try to go towards Sangam Nose. All of you should follow the instructions of the administration and cooperate in making arrangements. People are bathing peacefully at all the ghats of Sangam. Do not pay any attention to any rumours."

The incident occurred as an enormous gathering of devotees assembled at the Sangam Ghats for the 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya.'

This event marks the second Shahi Snan and is expected to attract between 80 to 100 million pilgrims. Other significant bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami—Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).