Undeterred by dense fog blanketing Prayagraj, a large number of devotees continued to converge at the Maha Kumbh, marking one of the most significant religious events in the country.
The India Meteorological Department has forecasted persistent foggy conditions in Prayagraj until January 31.
"Dense to very Dense Fog Conditions very likely to continue to prevail during night/early morning hours in isolated pockets of Uttar Pradesh till 31st January," the IMD posted on X.
The minimum temperature is expected to vary between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius, it added.
On the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya', over 57.1 million devotees took a holy dip in the Triveni waters on Wednesday, according to an official statement from the Uttar Pradesh Information Department.
However, tragedy struck the grand gathering when a pre-dawn stampede claimed 30 lives and injured 60 others. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, confirmed the fatalities, stating, "Twenty-five bodies have been identified."
Among the deceased, four were from Karnataka, one from Assam, and one from Gujarat. “Thirty-six people are being treated at a local medical college,” Krishna added.
In response to the incident, the Uttar Pradesh government announced financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a judicial inquiry into the stampede, stating, "A three-member judicial commission will be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta, and retired IAS DK Singh. We have been monitoring the entire incident from the CM's, Chief Secretary’s, and DGP's control rooms throughout the day."
The judicial committee has been tasked with submitting its report within a stipulated timeframe.
Despite the tragedy, the total footfall for the ongoing Magh Mela has now surpassed 199.4 million. A stampede-like situation briefly developed due to the overwhelming rush at key bathing ghats.
The Maha Kumbh, which commenced on January 13, will continue until February 26.
Significant 'snan' dates ahead include February 3 (Basant Panchami—Third Shahi Snan), 12 February (Maghi Purnima), and 26 February (Maha Shivaratri).
The state administration has ramped up safety measures and urged pilgrims to remain cautious during their participation in the sacred event.
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