PM Modi continues to monitor Maha Kumbh situation, speaks to UP CM 3rd time since morning

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is continuously monitoring the situation in the Maha Kumbh after a stampede-like situation in the early morning.

The Prime Minister is constantly in contact with the state government. He has spoken with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister three times this morning and is giving directions for the normalisation of the situation and relief.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath following the incident at the Sangam during the Mauni Amavasya celebrations at the Maha kumbh Mela. He also assured him of full support from the Centre.

#WATCH | Prayagraj | Massive crowd of devotees continue to gather in Mahakumbh area to take holy dip in Triveni waters on Mauni Amavasya

1.75 crore people have taken holy dip today till 6 am; a total of 19.94 crore people have taken holy dip till 28th January, as per UP govt. pic.twitter.com/AsNs81fUa9

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

Soon after the Akharas called off the Holy Dip for the day, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Ravindra Puri, has now said that the Akharas will resume their ‘snan’ today, adding that they are in continuous contact with the Mela administration.

Puri said, “Our snan was postponed in the morning after a massive crowd gathered at the ghats. We tried to postpone our plan. Now that the crowd has reduced and the ghats meant for our snan are being vacated, it seems that all Akharas will be able to do snan today… We all, our all Mahamandaleshwars, Mandaleshwars, Naga Sadhus and devotees, will take a holy dip today…”

Puri further stated that the Akharas would also carry out their procession but on a smaller scale. He also said that they can even take a holy dip at night. He said, “Our processions will be carried out as usual according to our tradition but will be on a smaller scale… We are in regular contact with the Mela administration… We have a lot of time and we are in no hurry. We can do snan even at night, as it is Mauni Amawashya today…”

After the stampede-like situation erupted in Maha Kumbh, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad claimed that the incident occurred after the “spread of misinformation”.

“In the morning, misinformation was spread to create fear in the minds of people. And they succeeded. In the morning when we talked to everyone, we found that the reality was different and a lot of rumours were spread… I want to urge people to not run towards Sangam and take a dip wherever they find Ganga ji…” he stated.

Meanwhile, UP CM Yogi Adityanath has appealed to the devotees to take the holy dip at the ghat closest to where they were and not converge at only one ghat. “Dear devotees, come to Prayagraj, Take a bath at the ghat of Mother Ganga near which you are; do not try to go towards Sangam Nose. All of you should follow the instructions of the administration and cooperate in making arrangements. People are bathing peacefully at all the ghats of Sangam. Do not pay any attention to any rumours”, the CM posted on X.

The incident comes as a massive crowd of devotees gathered at the Sangam Ghats for the ‘Amrit Snan’ on the occasion of ‘Mauni Amavasya.”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). (ANI)