Yogi Adityanath to Visit Maha Kumbh After Stampede Tragedy

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will visit Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj following a deadly stampede that killed 30 people. A judicial inquiry is underway, while the festival continues with millions of devotees attending. Authorities have promised increased safety measures for upcoming key bathing dates.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to visit Prayagraj today following the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh, which claimed 30 lives and injured 90 others. This marks his first visit since the incident, which occurred near the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations.

During his visit, the chief minister will meet international dignitaries at the Mela Circuit House and visit prominent religious camps, including Satua Baba Ashram and Bharat Seva Shram Camp. A delegation of 118 members, including Heads of Mission and diplomats from 77 countries, will also be present at the event.

A judicial commission has been formed to investigate the stampede and will submit its findings within a month. Preliminary reports suggest that an unexpected surge of pilgrims at the Sangam, eager for the holy dip at the auspicious 3 AM hour, led to the chaos. Many of the injured were admitted to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital for treatment.

Despite the tragedy, the Maha Kumbh continues to witness an overwhelming turnout. On Saturday alone, over 5.42 million devotees took a dip at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati. Since its commencement on January 13, more than 314.6 million pilgrims have participated.

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The festival, which will conclude on February 26, still has key bathing dates ahead, including Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and Maha Shivaratri (February 26). Authorities have assured heightened security measures to prevent further mishaps.