Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Massive crowds return to Maha Kumbh festival day after deadly stampede

Authorities have launched an investigation into the stampede, which occurred as worshippers rushed to the river to take a dip. Police said 30 people died and 60 were injured, but sources told Reuters the death toll was closer to 40.

kumbh-satellite-reuters

A satellite image shows a crowd of people along banks of Yamuna river, following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela on January 29. (Photo: Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS)

MILLIONS of Hindu devotees gathered in Prayagraj, northern India, on Thursday for the Maha Kumbh festival, a day after a stampede killed dozens during the event’s most significant bathing day.

Despite the large turnout, some participants remained cautious following the incident.


Krishna Soni, a student from Bikaner in Rajasthan, and his family of eight tied themselves together with string to avoid getting separated in the crowd. "We are walking very carefully and trying to avoid the crowded areas," he told Reuters.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the stampede, which occurred as worshippers rushed to the river to take a dip. Police said 30 people died and 60 were injured, but sources told Reuters the death toll was closer to 40.

On Wednesday, over 76 million people took what is called a "royal dip" in the river, with three more such bathing days scheduled before the festival ends. '

By 10 am (0430 GMT) on Thursday, more than nine million people had taken a "holy dip" at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers, officials said.

Devotees bathe daily during the festival, but certain days are considered more sacred, attracting even larger crowds. Many believe the ritual washes away sins and grants salvation from the cycle of rebirth.

Held every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh festival is expected to draw around 400 million devotees in 2025, according to official estimates. By comparison, the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia saw 1.8 million participants last year.

Train and bus stations in Prayagraj saw an influx of travellers on Thursday, but authorities said crowd management efforts were in place. "Things are now totally under control," senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna told Reuters.

Opposition leaders have criticised the handling of the festival and called for better arrangements, while local media highlighted the need for improved crowd planning. "There is much scope for improving crowd management at the Kumbh," the Hindustan Times said in an editorial.

Authorities have set up a temporary city spanning 4,000 hectares (9,990 acres) along the riverbank, with 150,000 tents and nearly the same number of toilets. More than 50,000 security personnel have been deployed to manage the event.

(With inputs from Reuters)

More For You

pope-tributes

Members of various faith communities light candles as they pay respects in front of a portrait of Pope Francis during a condolence meeting in New Delhi on April 21, 2025. (Photo; Getty Images)

Getty Images

Tributes for Pope Francis led by UK, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka

Leaders from the UK, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were among the first to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88.

The Pope led the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics and was widely acknowledged for his efforts towards peace and social justice.

Keep ReadingShow less
JD-Vance-Getty

JD Vance Lands in India, Begins Four-Day Diplomatic Visit

getty image

JD Vance lands in India for his four-day visit

US VICE PRESIDENT JD Vance arrived in India on Monday for a four-day visit, during which he is scheduled to meet prime minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes as India looks to secure a trade deal with the US and avoid increased tariffs.

Vance's visit, which includes family engagements, will also see discussions with Modi. He is expected to review the progress made on issues agreed upon during Modi’s February meeting with US president Donald Trump in Washington, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Keep ReadingShow less
pope-francis

The Pope had recently recovered from a serious case of double pneumonia.

Getty Images

Pope Francis dies at 88, Vatican announces

POPE FRANCIS, the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the announcement on the Vatican’s TV channel. “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” he said. “At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Vance, Modi talks to focus on 'US-India strategic ties'

JD Vance (R) with Narendra Modi. (Photo by LEAH MILLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Vance, Modi talks to focus on 'US-India strategic ties'

US vice president JD Vance will begin a four-day official visit to India on Monday (21), as part of efforts to strengthen economic, trade and strategic ties between the two countries. He will be accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, their three children, and top US officials.

The visit comes at a critical time, as the US and India aim to finalise a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement. Both sides are also looking to boost cooperation in defence, technology, and regional security amid ongoing tensions with China.

Keep ReadingShow less
Rajasthan's Vaibhav Suryavanshi creates IPL history

Vaibhav Suryavanshi in action REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis

Rajasthan's Vaibhav Suryavanshi creates IPL history

VAIBHAV SURYAVANSHI was thrust into the Indian Premier League (IPL) spotlight as its youngest debutant on Saturday (19) and the 14-year-old announced himself in spectacular style with a massive six off the first ball he faced.

The Rajasthan Royals left-hander came into the squad for the clash with Lucknow Super Giants in place of captain Sanju Samson and was an impact substitute during their chase of 181, where he started by smashing Shardul Thakur over extra cover.

Keep ReadingShow less