The Kumbh Mela, held every twelve years in Prayagraj, attracts millions who believe immersion in these holy waters, alongside the mythical Sarasvati river, will cleanse them of sins and grant them spiritual salvation. This year, the event marks the "Maha" or Great Kumbh, drawing even larger crowds due to special celestial alignments, with state estimates placing attendance upwards of 400 million.
To facilitate this influx, the Uttar Pradesh government has erected a temporary city along the Ganges, equipped with shelters, sanitation facilities, and essential infrastructure. Despite advancements in crowd management tactics since a deadly stampede in 2013, where 42 lost their lives, control measures were tested as officials struggled to manage the rush at the bathing sites despite using public address systems to direct attendees.
While measures were put in place to safeguard the pilgrims, the overwhelming number of attendees and the restrictive nature of the bathing areas created a volatile environment, resulting in dangerous circumstances. This is an unfolding situation, with authorities expected to provide further updates as details become available.
To facilitate this influx, the Uttar Pradesh government has erected a temporary city along the Ganges, equipped with shelters, sanitation facilities, and essential infrastructure. Despite advancements in crowd management tactics since a deadly stampede in 2013, where 42 lost their lives, control measures were tested as officials struggled to manage the rush at the bathing sites despite using public address systems to direct attendees.
While measures were put in place to safeguard the pilgrims, the overwhelming number of attendees and the restrictive nature of the bathing areas created a volatile environment, resulting in dangerous circumstances. This is an unfolding situation, with authorities expected to provide further updates as details become available.
