Dozens of People Killed in India During Religious Festival

A tragic incident occurred on one of the most sacred days of the Hindu festival Maha Kumbh Mela: a stampede resulted in the deaths of dozens of pilgrims, with many others sustaining injuries after millions of devotees gathered for a ritual bath in the river, reports NewsBox.

The stampede took place on the morning of January 29 in Prayagraj, as massive crowds made their way to the riverbanks for a cleansing bath as part of the Mauni Amavasya celebrations, one of the festival's most significant days, writes CNN.

According to the festival's special executive director, a barrier by the river broke, leading to chaos as crowds of pilgrims rushed towards the water. The number of casualties is reportedly increasing.

Local hospitals have reported receiving dozens of bodies, with the death toll disputed. CNN sources indicate 35 deaths with expectations of more casualties. Indian police reported 30 deaths and around 90 people hospitalized.

According to local media, around 100 million pilgrims were anticipated to arrive in Prayagraj for the sacred bath. Maha Kumbh Mela, the largest peaceful gathering in the world, is expected to attract about 400 million visitors over six weeks.

Pilgrims perform the cleansing ritual at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati rivers to purify themselves of sins.