Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, January 29: Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji on Wednesday appealed to all devotees to not insist on taking a dip at the Sangam Ghat after a stampede-like situation in the ongoing Mahakumbh due to large crowds.
Key Points
1.
Large crowds pose safety risks during Mauni Amavasya
2.
Spiritual leaders advise alternative bathing locations
3.
Top government officials monitor the situation
4.
Massive pilgrimage expected to draw 80-100 million devotees
In a self-made video, Rambhadracharya Ji urged the devotees to not leave their camps.
"I appeal to all the devotees that because a large crowd has gathered in Prayagraj today, they should not insist on taking a holy dip only at the Sangam Ghat. As of now, they should not leave their camps and look for their safety," Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya Ji said.
Spiritual leader Devkinandan Thakur also appealed to people to not insist on taking a bath at the Sangam Ghat only and instead take snan at any place in the Ganga and Yamuna.
"... I did not go to the Sangam Ghat because the size of the crowds over there is massive... I appeal to the people to not insist on taking a bath at the Sangam Ghat only. The entire Ganga and Yamuna rivers are 'Amrit' right now," Devkinandan Thakur told ANI.
The injured are being brought to the hospital in Sector 2 after the incident.
The incident comes as over 80 to 100 million devotees gathered at the Sangam Ghats for the 'Amrit Snan' on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya.' Massive crowds gathered near the ghats of Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following the incident at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Mahakumbh Mela. He also assured him of full support from the Centre.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday to review the situation at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The Prime Minister called for immediate support measures.
'Mauni Amavasya,' which marks the day of the second Shahi Snan, is expected to draw a crowd of 80-100 million people. Other significant bathing dates during the Maha Kumbh include February 3 (Basant Panchami--Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).