Looking Back At Kumbh Mela Stampedes: From 1954 to 2025
Allahabad: Stampedes at Kumbh Mela are not new. One of the world’s largest religious congregations has witnessed situations similar to the Wednesday’s chaos at Prayagraj. Here’s a look back at some of such incidents:
1954: It was the first-ever Kumbh fair held after Independence. It was a landmark event for India, which turned out to be a tragedy. On 3 February 1954, a stampede took place as scores of devotees thronged the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). The incident took place on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya and about 800 people were trampled to death. Some were even drowned in the river.
1986: The Kumbh Mela in Haridwar witnessed a tragic stampede. At least 200 were killed. The then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Veer Bahadur Singh, arrived in Haridwar along with several Chief Ministers and Members of Parliament from various states on the stampede day. The security personnel had restricted the common people from accessing the riverbanks. This turned the crowd restless and uncontrollable, leading to a deadly stampede.
2003: In 2003, a stampede in Maharashtra’s Nashik killed dozens. The tragedy took place when thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Godavari River during the Kumbh Mela. At least 39 people, including women, were killed. According to reports, more than 100 were injured.
2025: Many deaths are feared. Over 30 pilgrims were injured, reports claimed even as the UP Chief Minister Adityanath said situation was under control.
