Mahakumbh 2025: Akharas call off Mauni Amavasya 'Amrit Snan' after stampede leaves dozens injured

Dozens of devotees have been injured, and many are feared dead after a stampede at the Sangam Nose area of the Maha Kumbh around 1:00 am on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. Many devotees had converged at the Sangam to take the holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, which marks the day of the second Shahi Snan.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Several injured, casualties feared

According to initial reports, some barriers at the Sangam broke, resulting in the stampede.

Video and photographs after the stampede showed bodies being stretchered away, people sitting on the ground crying, while others stepped over a carpet of discarded belongings left behind as they tried to escape the chaos.

The exact number of injured is yet unknown, and as of now, there is no official confirmation of any deaths.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan called off

Following the stampede, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad said that the seers have called off their Mauni Amavasya's Amrit Snan.

"You would've seen what happened in the morning, and that's why we have decided to... All of our saints and seers were ready for the 'snan' when we were informed about this incident. That's why we have decided to call off our 'snan' on Mauni Amavasya," ABAK president Mahant Ravindra Puri said.

#WATCH | #MahaKumbh2025 | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri says, "We are saddened by the incident that took place. There were thousands of devotees with us... In the public interest, we decided that the Akharas will not¡­ pic.twitter.com/3HHkYjG11G

¡ª ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

He also said that the third Amrit Snan of the Mahakumbh will take place on February 3.

'Take holy dip at other ghats'

Other spiritual leaders, including Jagatguru Rambhadracharya, have also appealed to devotees to take the holy dip at the nearest ghat on the Ganga and not come to the Sangam Nose.

#WATCH | Maha Kumbh Stampede | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji says, "I appeal to all the devotees that because a large crowd has gathered in Prayagraj today, they should not insist on taking a holy dip only at the Sangam Ghat. As of now, they should¡­ pic.twitter.com/KV7KZ9ptfn

¡ª ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

CREDIT: REUTERS

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of Anand Akhara, Balakanand Puri, also said that people should take a dip at any of the ghats along the Ganga. "The river is the same everywhere, so why become stubborn about taking the dip only at the Sangam? The entire mela area is as pious as the Sangam," he said.

Next holy dips of Mahakumbh

Around 10-15 crore devotees were expected to take holy dips during the second Shahi Snan of the ongoing Mahakumbh mela.

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).

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