Haridwar Mansa Devi Temple Stampede:
The holy month of Sawan unfolds a scene of devotion in the sacred lands of Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Each year, throngs of believers flock to Shiv temples, merging spirituality with the lush greenery of Uttarakhand. On the seemingly ordinary day of July 27, a tragic event turned everything upside down. Throngs of pilgrims came to seek blessings at the divine shrine of Mata Mansa Devi, hoping for wish fulfillment for themselves and their families, unaware of the tragedy that would soon unfold.
By early Sunday morning, between 8 and 9 AM, a massive crowd began to gather at Mansa Devi. By 10 AM, the congregation grew, with the unexpected chaos breaking loose between 11:39 AM and 11:44 AM on the temple's staircase path. Rumors of an electric shock caused panic, triggering a deadly stampede.
Amid the chaos, six lives were tragically lost and numerous others injured, including children. The injured were immediately taken to nearby hospitals, as cries and wails echoed along the temple path, painting a surreal nightmare.
By noon, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his sorrow, announcing compensation: ₹2 lakhs for the deceased's families and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Chief Minister Dhami, deeming the event heart-wrenching, called for a magisterial inquiry while visiting the victims and their families to offer solace.
Source: aajtak
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Pandemonium and Panic Amid the Stampede
A video emerged showing a panic-stricken scene during the stampede, with frantic cries clearly audible. Outside the temple, a person is seen trying to calm the panicked crowd, urging them to 'move back, move back.'
The video starkly captures devotees fleeing for safety, some climbing nearby walls and structures to escape the crowd.
Source: aajtak
Scattered sandals on stairs, pieces of broken bangles, draped saree ends, and children's toys lay strewn about. The temple ground, once embracing 'auspicious' spirits, sat in a state of unspoken misfortune.
The Fragile Thread of Life
This tragic incident in Haridwar is more than a mere accident; it brings to light the fragile thread of life. We dream of the future, yet remain unaware of what lies in the next moment. Devotees came to Mansa Devi with prayers for children, spouses, parents, jobs, and peace, never envisioning such a catastrophic event.
Source: aajtak
Questions on Management
This incident raises questions about the temple administration and governmental arrangements. Each year, countless devotees visit, and even on regular days, thousands gather. During Sawan, these numbers soar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Shares Grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families, stating, 'Deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Haridwar Mansa Devi Temple stampede. Wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Local administration is aiding all affected.'
