Maha Kumbh Stampede: On this day in 1954, during the Maha Kumbh Mela, a devastating stampede occurred on the occasion of Mouni Amavasya, resulting in the deaths of around 800 people.
Table of Contents
Another Stampede During 2025 Maha Kumbh
Maha Kumbh Stampede: As the second royal bath of the ongoing Maha Kumbh took place on January 29 in Prayagraj, reports of another tragic incident surfaced. Around 1 AM, a stampede broke out, leading to the death of nearly a dozen people, with many others injured.
Disturbing images from the site depicted scattered belongings such as clothes, bags, and footwear, along with lifeless bodies lying on the ground. This tragic event eerily resembled the stampede that occurred 71 years ago during the 1954 Maha Kumbh.
The First Maha Kumbh of Independent India
Maha Kumbh Stampede: The 1954 Maha Kumbh was the first grand religious gathering held after India’s independence. It was organized in Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj. On February 3, 1954, during Mouni Amavasya, millions of devotees gathered at the Sangam for the royal bath.
Among them was the then-Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Some reports suggest that his presence led to an uncontrollable rush among devotees, triggering the deadly stampede. However, historical newspaper reports indicate a different version of events.
Did Naga Sadhus Trigger the Stampede?
According to some accounts, the tragedy unfolded when the procession of Naga Sadhus began. As the crowd grew impatient, some devotees attempted to move through the procession, leading to chaos.
It is said that the Naga Sadhus, in response, pointed their tridents towards the devotees, preventing them from passing through. This sudden commotion led to people getting crushed in the stampede, while others fell into the river and drowned.
Was Nehru’s Presence the Cause?
Maha Kumbh Stampede: Contrary to the above claims, some media reports attribute the disaster to the arrival of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Rajendra Prasad at the Sangam around 10 AM.
As the news spread, eager crowds rushed forward, breaking barricades, and causing a massive surge. With no way to exit, panic ensued, resulting in a tragic loss of life. Reports at the time estimated the death toll between 800 and 1,000, with over 2,000 injured. A few days after the incident, Nehru expressed his condolences during a public address, mourning the loss of lives.
Also Read: PM Modi May Travel to the US Soon, Says Donald Trump
