Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad announced the cancellation of the Amrit Snan for all 13 Akharas
A stampede-like situation occurred at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025. The incident, which unfolded around 1 AM, resulted in several injuries among devotees, including women and children, as they rushed to participate in the holy dip. Eyewitnesses reported chaos caused by a lack of clear directions and hidden obstacles, leading to panic and pushing among the crowd.
In response to the situation, the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad announced the cancellation of the Amrit Snan for all 13 Akharas. Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Parishad, stated that despite being prepared for the ritual, the decision was made for public safety following discussions with authorities.
Authorities had anticipated a massive turnout of around 10 crore devotees for this auspicious occasion, which is marked by significant celestial alignments known as ‘Triveni Yog’, occurring only once every 144 years. Following the stampede, entry into the event area was halted to manage crowd control effectively. More than 25 individuals were reported injured and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the incident and has called for immediate support measures to ensure safety at the venue.
