A monumental tragedy struck at Prayagraj's ongoing Mahakumbh on Wednesday as devotees gathered in droves for the auspicious bath on Mauni Amavasya. Late into the night, chaos broke out at Sangam Nose, with more than 10 people losing their lives in a devastating stampede. Numerous others were reported injured, raising questions about the importance and allure of this site known as Sangam Nose.
Understanding Sangam Nose
Sangam Nose derives its name from its distinctive shape. In Prayagraj, this spot is revered as the prime location for ritual baths. It's where the mythical Saraswati River is said to meet the Yamuna and the Ganga. This convergence attracts numerous hermits and saints who perform their sacred baths here, and devotees hold these waters in the highest regard.
With each Maha Kumbh, the area of Sangam Nose is expanded. Compared to 2019, this year has seen an increase in its size to accommodate expected crowds. Initially, arrangements allowed 50,000 people to bathe every hour here. However, anticipations for the current Mahakumbh have aimed to accommodate 200,000 bathers per hour.
The Stampede: A Rush to Reach Sangam Nose
Preliminary reports suggest that a vast number of people attempted to reach Sangam Nose simultaneously, overwhelming control measures and resulting in a stampede. However, the administration opened multiple pathways to divert the crowd, bringing the situation under control.
Source: aajtak
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CM Yogi and Saints Advocate for Crowd Control
Following the incident, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, along with many saints, urged devotees to avoid Sangam Nose and instead bathe at other designated ghats. Although multiple ghats have been prepared for bathing, the majority flock to Sangam Nose. Now, considering the Mauni Amavasya crowd, visitors are requested to use alternative ghats for bathing.
CM Yogi’s Appeal
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made an earnest appeal to devotees to cooperate with local authorities and follow administrative guidelines. He urged them to perform rituals at the ghats nearest to their location rather than heading toward Sangam Nose, thus helping to maintain order and avoid rumors.
