A large number of devotees continued to flock to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh on Thursday, undeterred by the dense fog that enveloped the city. The religious gathering remains a focal point for millions of pilgrims, who have been attending the event with steadfast devotion.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that foggy conditions will persist in Prayagraj until January 31. “Dense to very dense fog conditions are likely to continue during the night and early morning hours in isolated pockets of Uttar Pradesh until January 31,” the IMD shared on X. The department also reported that the minimum temperature will range between 10-13 degrees Celsius.
On Wednesday, as part of the ‘Mauni Amavasya’ celebrations, over 57.1 million devotees took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam, marking a significant event during the Maha Kumbh, according to the Uttar Pradesh Information Department.
However, tragedy struck earlier in the day when a pre-dawn stampede resulted in at least 30 fatalities and 60 injuries. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, confirmed the deaths, adding that 25 bodies have been identified. Among the victims, four were from Karnataka, one from Assam, and one from Gujarat. Thirty-six people have been hospitalized and are receiving treatment at a local medical college.
In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of those who died in the incident. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the stampede, and a three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta, and retired IAS officer DK Singh. “The situation has been closely monitored by the CM, Chief Secretary, and DGP from their control rooms,” said the DIG.
Despite the tragic incident, the total footfall for the ongoing Magh Mela has exceeded 199.4 million. There was also a brief stampede-like situation at some of the key bathing ghats due to the overwhelming number of pilgrims.
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. Important bathing dates still remain, including February 3 (Basant Panchami–Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
