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Tragedy Strikes at India’s Maha Kumbh Festival: 7 Dead

A tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in northern India led to the deaths of more than seven people and injured around 10 others. This happened on the most special day of the six-week Hindu festival, where millions gather to take a holy dip in the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers.

Millions of Devotees:
As thousands of people gathered before sunrise at Prayagraj, drone videos captured millions of devotees walking together, shoulder to shoulder. The scene was intense and emotional, as these worshippers headed to the river to perform sacred rituals.

The Stampede:
Around 1 a.m., chaos broke out near the river confluence, and a huge push from behind caused many people to fall over each other. The push was so strong that it knocked people down, and some were hurt or killed. Witnesses saw people crushed under the crowd and described bodies being carried away by ambulances.

Rescue Efforts:
The stampede was quickly followed by a rescue operation. The Rapid Action Force was called in to help control the crowd and assist the injured. Ambulances rushed to the scene while officials tried to restore order. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath both worked on providing relief.

A Heartbreaking Moment:
One woman described how she and her mother fell in the crowd, with people stepping on them as they tried to escape. Sadly, her mother was killed in the stampede. Other survivors were shocked by the scene, with some unsure whether their loved ones were alive or dead.

Festival Continues:
Despite the tragedy, the holy dip resumed after a brief pause. However, officials advised people to take a dip at nearby spots instead of risking the dangerous crowd at the confluence. The festival attracts millions of people each year, including important figures and celebrities, but the danger of such large crowds has been a concern.

Political Response:
The stampede sparked criticism from political leaders. The opposition accused the government of poor planning, saying too much attention was given to VIPs and self-promotion rather than the safety of the people. The authorities had made efforts to handle the crowd with increased security, medical teams, and even technology to manage the massive gatherings.

A Deadly Reminder:
This wasn’t the first stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela. In 2013, a similar incident occurred, killing over 36 people, mostly women. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers of overcrowded festivals.

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a spiritual event that draws people from around the world, but with such large crowds, it also brings serious safety challenges that need to be addressed.

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