More than 15 were killed and around 10 feared injured at the venue of the Maha Kumbh Mela festival at Prayagraj on Wednesday (January 29) morning. The stampede happened around 2.30 am, according to various reports, after millions of devotees gathered at the Sangam Ghat (confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers) 'Amrit Snan' holy dip on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya. While the exact cause of the stampede hasn't been officially ascertained yet, preliminary reports state that it started after a barricade gave way, which made the devotees panic.

The event, which is considered the largest religious congregation in the world, has experienced similar stampedes in the past, too, in 2013, 2003, 1986 and 1954. In 1954, at least 800 people lost their lives during the Mauni Amavasya day stampede. Various akharas have called off the snan due to the incident and said they will not be participating in the snan today. Some of them appealed to people to come back on 'vasanth panchami' day (February 3) for the snan instead of today. 

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How to stay safe at Maha Kumbh Mela?
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged devotees to take the holy dip at the ghat, which is nearest to them, rather than trying to go towards the Sangam Nose. The tip of the confluence point of the rivers are considered the holiest, however, the area often gets heavily congested. Here are a few tips for your safety if you are at Kumbh Mela 2025:
1) Do not enter a crowd if it looks too packed. Observe the density to ensure you have enough space to move for safety if required.
2) Sudden situations of panic can happen out of nowhere. Therefore, make sure you know the exit points and stay near them.
3) As advised by the authorities, use alternate ghats for scans and avoid the Sangam nose during peak hours.
4) Make sure you have emergency contacts and ID cards with you for identification in case of separation from your group.
5) If possible, do not bring children and elderly with you in the event of huge crowds. 

Essential helpline numbers at Maha Kumbh Mela
Keep these essential contact numbers handy if you are attending the Kumbh Mela this year:
Local police - 112
Mela police helpline - 1944

Food and supplies - 1010
Fire services - 1945
Mahakumbh 'Lost and Found' helpline - 1920

Ambulance - 102/108
AI powered personal guide - Send Hi to 8887847135
Special helpline for devotees from Rajasthan - 9929860529/9887812885/0294 2426130
Helpline for devotees from Gujarat: 1800-180-15600
Special railway helpline - 18004199139
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