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Shoulder to shoulder: Pilgrims gathering to take a holy dip at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, during the festival in Prayagraj. — AFP
Millions of devout Hindus thronged the northern Indian city of Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival, a day after dozens died in a stampede on the most auspicious day of the six-week event.
But some devotees remained nervous after the fatal crush.
Krishna Soni, a student from the western state of Rajasthan’s Bikaner city, and his family of eight linked themselves together with string to ensure they would not lose each other in the massive crowd.
“We are walking very carefully and trying to avoid the crowded areas,” he said.
Police said 30 people were killed on Wednesday in a crush at the world’s biggest gathering of humanity and 60 were injured, but sources said the death toll was nearly 40.
Indian authorities have ordered a probe into the incident which occurred when people surged towards a river to take a dip in its waters as part of the festival.
More than 76 million people on Wednesday took what is called a “royal dip” in the river waters up until 8pm local time, and three more “royal dips” are scheduled before the festival ends.
Yesterday, more than nine million people took a “holy dip” at the confluence of three sacred rivers by 10am local time, officials said.
Devotees take “holy dips” everyday, but on specific dates the practice is considered particularly sacred and is called a “royal” dip, attracting larger crowds.
Devout Hindus believe that taking a dip at the confluence of three sacred rivers – the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati – absolves them of sins and brings salvation from the cycle of birth and death.
The Hindu festival – held every 12 years – is expected to draw some 400 million devotees in 2025, officials estimate.
The Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, in comparison, drew 1.8 million people last year.
Railway and bus stations across Prayagraj saw a surge in crowds yesterday as people continued to arrive for the festival, but authorities said the rush was being managed and there were no incidents.
“Things are now totally under control,” senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna said.
Opposition leaders have blamed the stampede on mismanagement and urged the government to improve festival arrangements, while local media said yesterday that better crowd planning was needed to prevent such incidents.
“There is much scope for improving crowd management at the Kumbh,” the Hindustan Times newspaper said in an editorial.
Authorities erected a temporary city across 4,000ha on the river banks – the size of 7,500 football fields – with 150,000 tents to accommodate devotees and almost an equal number of toilets. More than 50,000 personnel are on guard to ensure the safety of visitors. — Reuters