Mahakumbh 2025: UP CM, Akharas urge devotees to not fall prey to rumours, take dip at nearby ghats

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is actively monitoring the situation at the MahaKumbh following a stampede-like incident in the early hours. He remains in constant touch with the Uttar Pradesh government and has spoken to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times this morning, providing guidance on relief measures and restoring normalcy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reached out to CM Yogi Adityanath, assuring full central support after the incident at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations.

Meanwhile, after initially calling off the holy dip for the day, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad President Ravindra Puri has confirmed that Akharas will resume their ‘snan’ today. He emphasized that they are in continuous coordination with the Mela administration.

Appealing for orderly participation, CM Yogi Adityanath urged devotees to take the holy dip at the nearest available ghats instead of converging at a single location. “Dear devotees, come to Prayagraj, bathe at the ghat of Mother Ganga nearest to you, and avoid heading towards Sangam Nose. Please follow the administration’s instructions and help maintain order. Bathing is proceeding peacefully across all ghats of Sangam. Do not believe any rumors,” he posted on X.

The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered at the Sangam Ghats for the sacred ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya. Around 10 people are feared dead following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj early Wednesday. The chaos ensued when installed barriers collapsed as tens of thousands of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam for Mauni Amavasya, marking the ‘second Amrit Snan.’ The incident took place around 2 AM amid a massive crowd tightly packed along the Sangam and other ghats spanning a 12-km stretch of riverbanks. This day, marking the second Amrit Snan, is expected to attract 80-100 million pilgrims. Other key bathing dates during the MahaKumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).