While lakhs of pilgrims flock to Prayagraj for the 'Mauni Amavasya snan', the holy city of Ayodhya also witnessed an overwhelming surge of devotees on the auspicious occasion.

The stampede at Maha Kumbh on the early hours of Wednesday took place because the crowd had gathered ahead of time and broke the barriers, the Uttar Pradesh police have said. Thirty people have died in the pre-dawn stampede that took place as people jostled for a dip at the confluence on Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days of the month-long religious festival.

"Before Brahma Muhurta, between 1 am to 2 am, a huge crowd gathered on the Akhara Marg," said Vaibhav Krishna, the Deputy Inspector General  posted at the Mahakumbh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial probe into the stampede incident at Maha Kumbh.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the stampede at Maha Kumbh.

"The incident is heart-wrenching. We express our deepest condolences to all those families who lost their loved ones. We have been in constant touch with the administration since last night. The Mela Authority, Police, Administration, NDRF, SDRF and all other arrangements that could be made have been deployed there," he said.

Officials said that between 1 AM and 2 AM, just before the Brahma Muhurat, there was immense crowd pressure on the Akhara Marg in the Mela area. Due to the pressure, barricades on the other side collapsed, and people crossed over, trampling devotees who were waiting for the auspicious Brahma Muhurat bath.

Piles of clothes, shoes, bags and other discarded belongings were seen on the ground after a stampede broke out at Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, this morning.

Five people, who were killed in the stampede at Maha Kumbh today, are still not identified, said the police. Officials have issued helpline numbers:

Maha Kumbh Helpline Number: 1920

Mela Police Helpline Number: 1944

At least 30 people were killed and 60 more were injured during the Maha Kumbh stampede today. Out of the 30 victims, 25 people have been identified, officials said.

Shoes, slippers and clothes scattered at the site speak about the chaos that unfolded at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early Wednesday. Devotees recounted the horrific incident saying people were pushing each other to take a dip at the auspicious time on Mauni Amavasya.

"Many devotees had patiently waited for the auspicious hour. Several of them were sitting on the ground, and some were even lying down near the ghats. The bathing site was barricaded. Past midnight a sudden surge of devotees led to barricades coming apart, and in that, many people who were sleeping or sitting on the ground were run over," said Madhumita, a devotee from Assam who claimed to have witnessed the tragedy.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reacted to the stampede-like situation at Maha Kumbh on Wednesday.

"The incident of a stampede near Triveni Sangama during the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which resulted in the death of many devotees, is very unfortunate and shocking. The injured devotees are undergoing treatment in the hospital and I pray for their speedy recovery." he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday blamed administrative mismanagement for the stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh, calling for an end to VIP culture and stricter crowd management.

Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh, during a press conference, described the scenes from the religious gathering as "scary."

"I saw a woman desperately trying to give oxygen from her mouth to her family member to save him. This is heartbreaking. We never wanted to comment on this, but the reality is clear -- VIP culture is the main problem. Roads are being closed for VIP movement, causing chaos for the devotees," he said.

Several people have died and many are injured after a stampede at the Maha Kumbh on the morning of Mauni Amavasya, an auspicious day, prompting Akharas to defer the holy dip at Triveni Sangam for a few hours.

Adani Group Chairman, Gautam Adani, extended his condolences and said, "The heart-wrenching incident deeply saddens us."

"We pay our humble tributes to the departed souls and express our deepest condolences to the bereaved families," Mr Adani said.

"All the members of the Adani family present at the Maha Kumbh and the entire Adani Group, in collaboration with the fair administration and the state government, are committed to providing all possible assistance to the affected families," he added.

Amrit snan, the traditional bathing ritual of akharas that was deferred due to the stampede at Maha Kumbh this morning, resumed in the afternoon.

Led by Mahant Ravindra Puri, the head of the Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad, the procession of akharas made its way on foot towards the Sangam for Amrit Snan.

The snan was originally scheduled in the early hours of the day but was postponed following the stampede.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani paid "tributes to the departed souls" and expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved families.

"All the members of the Adani family present at the Maha Kumbh and the entire Adani Group, in collaboration with the fair administration and the state government, are committed to provide all possible assistance to the affected families," he wrote in a post on X.

Flower petals showered on saints and seers taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya.

To help people of Uttarakhand visiting the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the state government has issued helpline numbers. People who have gone to Maha Kumbh from the state can get any kind of help by calling toll free numbers: 1070, 8218867005, 90584 41404. 

A visual from early morning shows devotees attempting to cross a barricade amid restrictions after a stampede-like situation broke out on Mauni Amavasya during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, at Sangam in Prayagraj.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved families of those who have lost their loved ones in the Maha Kumbh stampede. He also wished for the speedy recovery of those who suffered injuries during the stampede in the early hours of Wednesday. In a social media post on X, he wrote, "Under the guidance of the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government and the local administration are providing all possible help to the victims."

Maha Kumbh Helpline Number: 1920

Mela Police Helpline Number: 1944

Fire Services Number: 1945

Food and Supplies: 1010

Ambulance Helpline: 102/108

A woman undergoing treatment for cancer took a dip in the Ganga river on Monday, hoping the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya turns the tides for her and helps her battle the disease.

Nirmala came to the Maha Kumbh fair grounds on a wheelchair and will depart for Mumbai today, where she will undergo chemotherapy at the Tata Memorial Hospital. Currently suffering from metastatic cancer, she had earlier undergone a gall bladder operation, after which the cancer surfaced in her head and then her lymph nodes.

All officials and personnel are on cloud regulation duty since last evening, said Vaibhav Krishna, DIG Mahakumbh. "In the morning, there was pressure and a huge crowd. Many Akharas told us to regulate the crowd and that they would come out for the snan (dip) later. Now that the crowd is under control, our preparations for the Akharas and saints are in place. The Akhara Marg and Akhara Ghat are ready."

When asked about the number of people injured in the stampede-like situation that unfolded in the morning, Mr Krishna said, "We do not have official numbers of stampede victims since we have been involved in crowd control here. The injured are being treated." 

Many deaths are feared after a stampede-like situation broke out near Sangam amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj this morning. More than 30 devotees, mostly women, who turned up for a holy bath on Mauni Amavasya, were also injured.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged citizens to not believe rumours and instead be patient as the state government deals with a stampede-like situation. Devotees can take a holy dip at closest ghats instead of stressing on going to Sangam nose, he said. "The situation is under control," Chief Minister added.

Akhadas and religious gurus have unanimously decided to take a dip in the sangam after devotees, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "Saints have said that devotees will take a dip first. Once the crowd settles down, then we will go to Sangam for a dip," he said. 

Eight to 10 crore devotees are in Prayagraj today, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing the media on the Maha Kumbh Stampede. Last night, between 1-2 am, some people tried to break barricades, resulting in a stampede-like situation. Some devotees were critically injured. They were immediately taken to the hospital, said Chief Minister Adityanath. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation at the Maha Kumbh in a call with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following a stampede-like incident and called for immediate support measures.

Devotees continue to gather at the Maha Kumbh for 'Amrit Snan' in Triveni waters on 'Mauni Amavasya'. Over 2.78 crores have taken a dip today till 8 am.

19.94 crore people have taken holy dip as of January 28, according to the Uttar Pradesh government. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is continuously monitoring the situation at Maha Kumbh and is in constant contact with the state government. PM Modi has spoken with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thrice since the stampede-like situation unfolded at the Sangam. He is giving directions for normalisation of the situation and relief.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for a high-level meet to review the stampede-like situation that unfolded at the Maha Kumbh in the early hours of Wednesday. Senior officers including UP Director General of Police and Chief Secretary have been summoned at Chief Minister's home in Lucknow.  

BJP MP Hema Malini took a holy dip at Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya today. "It is my good fortune that I got the opportunity to do 'snan' on this auspicious day," she said.

Ms Malini was accompanied by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara and Yog guru Baba Ramdev.

Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara and Yog guru Baba Ramdev offered prayers on Mauni Amavasya at Triveni ghat during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. Yog Guru said, "We have taken a holy dip today keeping the injured persons in our prayers and wishing for their early recovery. We did a symbolic 'snan' today and prayed for the well-being of the people."

Pilgrims continue to take holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on 'Mauni Amavasya' during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. A stampede-like situation unfolded at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday.

"I have been here since January 5. The Police and Administration are taking care of everything," said a pilgrim.

Authorities implemented stringent security measures, managing massive crowds with AI-powered surveillance, drone monitoring, and increased police presence. While the Mela area has already been declared a no-vehicle zone for the next few days, the Prayagraj administration has also made an appeal to local residents to avoid using four wheelers and opt for two wheelers only if carrying senior citizens to the Sangam.

The railways is running 360 trains, including 190 special trains, to accommodate the unprecedented influx of pilgrims. "The special trains are being run in three zones -- Northern Railway, North Eastern Railway and North Central Railway -- to manage the massive influx of devotees," Satish Kumar, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board said.

The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed more than 1,000 medical professionals in the Maha Kumbh area, apart from provisions for minor to major surgeries in every sector of the fair area, an official statement said. Additionally, 300 specialist doctors are stationed at a super-specialty hospital in the Mahakumbh Nagar to handle any emergency situations.

The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh. This year, the occasion holds added spiritual importance due to a rare celestial alignment known as 'Triveni Yog,' which occurs once every 144 years.

Mauni Amavasya is considered the most auspicious date as it is believed that on this day, the water of the holy rivers turns into 'Amrit.'

As per tradition of the Kumbh Mela, Akharas belonging to the three sects 'Sanyasi, Bairagi, and Udaseen' take the holy dip in a set sequence following a majestic, awe-inspiring procession to the Sangam Ghat.

The seers and saints, including the ash-smeared Nagas, then immerse themselves in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers on special bathing dates like the Mauni Amavasya. The government also planned to shower 25 quintals of rose petals using helicopters on the devotees.

Hours after a stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath urged devotees to bathe at the ghat closest to them. He appealed to them to not go towards the Triveni Sangam for the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya.

The chief minister spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the second time in an hour, with the latter directing him to ensure immediate relief measures for the affected.

"We came in a batch of 60 people in two buses. We were nine people in the group. Suddenly there was pushing in the crowd, and we got trapped. A lot of us fell and the crowd went uncontrolled," Sarojini from Karnataka said, weeping outside the hospital in Prayagraj.

"There was no chance for escape, there was pushing from all sides," the woman told PTI Videos, as she narrated the stampede-like situation that broke on Wednesday morning at the Sangam.

As crores of people arrived at the Maha Kumbh to take a holy dip (Amrit Snan) on 'Mauni Amavasya, a stampede-like situation broke out in the early hours of Wednesday.

Devotees who suffered injuries during a stampede-like situation at Sangam in the Maha Kumbh are undergoing treatment at the central hospital established in the Mela area.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah dialed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following a stampede-like situation at the Sangam during the 'Mauni Amavasya' celebrations at the Maha Kumbh. Mr Shah assured Mr Adityanath of full support from the Centre.

"I appeal to the people that the entire Mela Kshetra is Kumbh, hence they may take a bath at any ghat. The entire Sangam is called Triveni Ghat," said Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti.

Following a stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh, the seers have called off their scheduled Amrit Snan on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri said.

"All of our saints and seers were ready for the 'snan' when we were informed about this incident. That's why we have decided to call off our 'snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya'," Mahant Ravindra Puri told PTI Videos.

Bags and other belongings lay scattered at the scene after a stampede occurred at Sangam on 'Mauni Amavasya' during the ongoing 'Maha Kumbh Mela' festival, in Prayagraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take stock of the situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela, reviewed the developments, and called for immediate support measures.

The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh. This year, a rare celestial alignment called 'Triveni Yog' is occurring after 144 years, amplifying the spiritual significance of the day.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 has already witnessed over 15 crore pilgrims taking a holy dip in the past 17 days, the state government said on Tuesday.

A stampede broke out at the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, ahead of the 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya' which is expected to draw around 10 crore pilgrims.