Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation in Prayagraj following a stampede-like incident during the early hours of the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Maha kumbh Mela.
The Prime Minister is in regular contact with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, having spoken with him three times today.
He is providing guidance for the situation's normalisation and ensuring relief measures are swiftly implemented.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with Chief Minister Adityanath after the incident at Sangam and assured him of full support from the Centre.
Following the stampede-like chaos, Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, confirmed that the Akharas would resume their holy dip (snan) today.
Puri stated that despite the morning’s crowd congestion, which led to the temporary postponement of the ritual, the situation had now calmed, and the ghats designated for the Akharas’ snan were being cleared.
“We tried to postpone our snan after a massive crowd gathered at the ghats. Now that the crowd has reduced, it seems that all Akharas will be able to do snan today,” Puri said, adding, “We are in constant contact with the Mela administration, and all Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Naga Sadhus, and devotees will take a holy dip today.”
Puri also confirmed that the Akharas would proceed with their procession, although on a smaller scale, and noted that the snan could be held later in the day as it is Mauni Amavasya.
“We are in no hurry. We can do snan even at night,” he added.
He also addressed the stampede-like situation, attributing it to the spread of misinformation.
“In the morning, misinformation was spread to create fear in people’s minds. When we spoke to everyone, we found that the reality was different. A lot of rumours were spread. I urge people not to run towards Sangam and take a dip wherever they find Ganga ji,” Puri said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Adityanath appealed to devotees to take the holy dip at the nearest ghat and avoid converging at one location.
“Dear devotees, come to Prayagraj. Take a bath at the ghat of Mother Ganga near which you are. Do not try to go towards Sangam Nose. Follow the instructions of the administration, and cooperate in making arrangements,” the CM posted on X.
The incident occurred as a massive crowd gathered at Sangam for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most significant bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh Mela, which is expected to draw a crowd of 80-100 million people.
Other key bathing dates include February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
Also read: Stampede at Mahakumbh, casualties reported, many injured
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