Maha Kumbh Stampede Scare: Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan Deferred, But More Chances Ahead, Says Akhara Chief

Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad chief Ravindra Puri reassured devotees that there are still multiple opportunities for the sacred Amrit Snan, even as the Maha Kumbh witnessed a tragic turn on Mauni Amavasya due to overcrowding at the Sangam.

"It is Amrit Snan today. There are three Amrit Snans-Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami. The Amavasya tithi will continue until tonight. Earlier, we had decided not to take out the (Akhara) processions due to massive crowds. I appeal to everyone not to pay attention to any rumours," Puri stated.

His remarks came after a stampede-like situation erupted at Sangam in the early hours of Wednesday, where millions of pilgrims had gathered for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. While officials feared multiple casualties, exact figures were yet to be confirmed.

Stampede Concerns Halt Akhara Processions

In response to the incident, the akharas decided to call off their traditional Amrit Snan procession, though large numbers of devotees continued to bathe at Sangam and other ghats in the Mela area.

The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is considered the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh, expected to draw around 10 crore pilgrims. This year, the event holds even greater spiritual importance due to the rare celestial alignment of Triveni Yog, occurring after 144 years. Around 2 am, sirens of ambulances and police vehicles rushing to the Sangam disrupted the continuous chants of mantras and shlokas resonating through loudspeakers across the Kumbh Mela grounds.

Those injured were swiftly transported to the central hospital set up in the Mela area. Concerned relatives and senior administrative and police officials arrived at the hospital as medical teams worked to manage the situation.

The Triveni Sangam-the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati-is regarded as the holiest site for Hindus. Taking a dip here during Maha Kumbh, especially on sacred bathing days like Mauni Amavasya, is believed to cleanse sins and grant moksha or salvation.

With Basant Panchami still ahead, authorities are now focusing on managing crowds more effectively to prevent further incidents. Pilgrims continue to flock to the Maha Kumbh, hoping to partake in upcoming Amrit Snan occasions under improved safety measures.