29.01.2025 10:41
In the city of Allahabad, India, a festival held every 12 years saw a stampede as over 400 million Hindus entered the Triveni Sangam River to become "pilgrims" over a period of 45 days. Due to some individuals jumping over the barriers, the disaster resulted in the deaths of 10 people according to initial reports, while many others were injured.
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According to initial reports, 10 people lost their lives in the stampede that occurred during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival held in the city of Allahabad, located in the northern part of Uttar Pradesh, India.
According to a report by India Today, a stampede broke out during the festival, which is held every 12 years and lasts for 45 days. While initial reports indicate that 10 people died in the stampede, it was also announced that many others were injured.
STAMPEDES OCCURRED WHEN PEOPLE JUMPED OVER BARRIERS
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reported that the stampede occurred because some individuals, who went to bathe in the Triveni Sangam River to cleanse themselves of their sins, jumped over the barriers.
MORE THAN 160,000 TENTS ERECTED
As part of the festival, which began on January 13 with millions in attendance, more than 160,000 tents and approximately 400 kilometers of temporary roads were constructed in the city for visitors' accommodation.
MORE THAN 400 MILLION HINDUS TO ENTER "HOLY WATER"
This year, it is expected that more than 400 million Hindus will enter the Triveni Sangam River, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers converge, considered "holy water," over the course of 45 days to become "pilgrims."
THE WORLD'S LARGEST RELIGIOUS FESTIVAL
Hindus believe that bathing in the Ganges River during the celebrations helps them cleanse their sins and escape the cycle of death and rebirth.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is considered "the world's largest religious festival." In 2001, 60 million people gathered on the same day to enter the Ganges River in Allahabad, setting a world record. Additionally, millions of Hindus bathed in the Triveni Sangam River in 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
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