Pilgrims at the Mahakumbh Mela have dismissed allegations of mismanagement circulating on social media, calling 90% of reports on Facebook and Instagram as fake. They commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the smooth organization of the event and urged people not to be swayed by rumours.
A devotee shared with ANI, “It took us only two hours from the station to reach the Sangam for our holy dip.” Pilgrims expressed confidence in the arrangements and reiterated that their experience had been largely positive.
Regarding the tragic incident on Mauni Amavasya, where at least 30 people lost their lives and 60 others were injured in a stampede-like situation, devotees labeled it as an unfortunate accident and urged others to be cautious in crowded situations. The incident occurred on January 29, when millions of devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers for a holy dip, marking the second Shahi Snan of the event.
In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a financial aid of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. A three-member judicial commission, led by Justice Harsh Kumar and comprising former DG VK Gupta and retired IAS officer DK Singh, will investigate the matter and submit a report within a specified timeframe. The Chief Minister stated that the state government has been closely monitoring the situation through control rooms managed by the CM, Chief Secretary, and DGP.
The Mahakumbh Mela, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. Key upcoming dates for significant ‘snans’ include February 3 (Basant Panchami – third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
On Saturday, a 118-member delegation, including diplomats from 77 countries, participated in the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met with foreign diplomats during the event, where he shared his expectations that over 45 crore people will visit the Mela before it concludes on February 26.
