Maha Kumbh Stampede: In Just 60 Minutes, PM Modi Speaks To UP CM Yogi Thrice Over Phone

In a matter of 60 minutes, Prime Minister spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thrice over the phone following a stampede in the wee hours of Wednesday at the ongoing Maha Kumbh.

This incident occurred during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations. The Prime Minister is actively overseeing developments and has urged the UP government to take all possible measures to address the situation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached out to Yogi Adityanath, promising full support from the central government.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees not to head towards Sangam for a dip but to use the ghat closest to Maa Ganga instead. He stressed the importance of adhering to administrative guidelines and warned against heeding any rumours. His appeal aims to maintain order amidst the large gathering of devotees.

Devotees Urged for Safety

Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji, in a self-recorded video, advised devotees against insisting on taking a dip at Sangam Ghat due to the overwhelming crowd. "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 not leave their camps and look for their safety," he stated.

The Akhara Parishad, along with various Akharas, decided to cancel the Holy Dip for that day. They encouraged devotees to participate in the Holy Dip on Vasant Panchami, scheduled for February 3. Niranjani Akhara Chief Kailashanand Giri Maharaj remarked that considering the massive crowds, it was essential to prioritise public welfare by postponing their participation.

Future Bathing Dates

President of Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri expressed sorrow over the incident. He noted that thousands were present with them and emphasised public interest as a reason for postponing their Snan. "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 participate in the Snan today... I appeal to the people to come on Vasant Panchmi for a Snan, instead of today... Also, the incident happened because devotees wanted to reach Sangam Ghat, instead, they should take a dip wherever they see the Holy Ganga... It is not the fault of the administration; it is not easy to handle crores of people... We should cooperate with the authorities..." he said.

The stampede-like situation arose as an enormous number of devotees gathered at Sangam Ghats for 'Amrit Snan' on Mauni Amavasya. This day marks the second Shahi Snan and was anticipated to attract between 80-100 million people. Other key bathing dates during Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).