The Mahakumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has witnessed several unfortunate incidents over the years. Due to the enormous number of devotees attending the event, crowd management has always been a challenge. Here, we explore some of the most tragic stampedes and mishaps recorded from 1947 to 2025.
1954 Prayagraj Kumbh Mela Stampede
One of the deadliest stampedes in the history of the Mahakumbh Mela occurred on February 3, 1954, in Prayagraj (then Allahabad). On this day, known as Mauni Amavasya, around 5 million devotees gathered at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. Due to poor crowd control measures, collapsed bamboo barriers, and the presence of VIPs, a horrific stampede broke out, leading to the tragic deaths of 800 people and injuring over 2,000.
2013 Kumbh Mela Stampede
Another devastating incident took place on February 10, 2013, during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The incident occurred at the Allahabad Railway Station, where millions of devotees had gathered after taking a holy dip in the river. The overcrowded platform and the collapse of a railing caused panic, leading to a stampede that resulted in the death of 36 people and left many others severely injured. On this particular day, an estimated 30 million people had participated in the event, making crowd management a monumental task for the authorities.
2025 Mahakumbh Mela Stampede
Most recently, on January 29, 2025, another stampede was reported at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The tragedy occurred on the main bathing day, when thousands of devotees rushed toward the sacred bathing area. According to reports, at least 7 people lost their lives, while many others sustained injuries. The incident raised concerns about safety measures and crowd control strategies, even after significant improvements in security planning over the years.
Efforts to Improve Crowd Management
Despite these tragic events, authorities have consistently upgraded crowd management strategies, incorporating:
- Advanced surveillance systems
- Better crowd flow control
- Increased deployment of security personnel
- Use of drones and AI-based monitoring
However, due to the enormous influx of pilgrims, completely preventing such mishaps remains a significant challenge. The Mahakumbh Mela continues to be a remarkable religious and cultural event, but ensuring devotee safety must remain a top priority for future gatherings.
