Amid Maha Kumbh tragedy, revisiting India’s deadliest stampedes over the years

The Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most significant religious events in India. However, it was marred by tragedy when a stampede broke out on January 29, 2025. Tens of millions of people had gathered for the holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a day considered sacred by Hindus. Sadly, several people lost their lives, and many more were injured in the chaos. The event highlighted the severe dangers that can occur when huge crowds gather, a problem that has led to numerous stampedes at religious gatherings across India over the years.

Here’s a look at some of the major stampedes in India’s history, many of which occurred during religious festivals or at busy temples.

Recent tragedies

The latest tragedy at the Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 was not an isolated incident. A similar event occurred earlier in January 2025 at a temple in Andhra Pradesh. There, at least six people were killed, and 35 more were injured. The stampede occurred when thousands of people tried to secure free visit passes at one of India’s busiest and wealthiest temples.

In July 2024, another tragedy struck in Hathras district, Uttar Pradesh. Over 121 people lost their lives in a stampede when thousands of devotees rushed to see a Hindu preacher. The chaotic rush caused panic, and many were trampled in the crowd.

Another deadly stampede took place at the Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir in January 2022. A massive crowd had gathered, hoping to visit the famous shrine. But in the narrow entryways of the temple, a stampede broke out, killing at least 12 people and injuring many more.

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Past incidents

The history of stampedes in India is filled with tragic events, especially during large religious gatherings. In November 2013, a stampede at the Ratangarh temple in Madhya Pradesh claimed the lives of around 115 people, with more than a hundred injured. This disaster happened during the Navratri festival, which celebrates the Goddess Durga. Over 150,000 devotees had gathered to celebrate, but the pressure of the massive crowd led to the fatal stampede.

In February 2013, another deadly stampede occurred at the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. At least 36 people, mostly women, lost their lives. The crowd had gathered on the busiest day of the festival, leading to an uncontrollable surge of people. Tragically, 27 of the victims were women, including an eight-year-old girl.

In March 2010, 63 people, more than half of whom were children, died in a stampede at a temple in Uttar Pradesh. The incident happened when a large crowd had gathered for free food and clothes. The rush for these items caused panic, resulting in many people being trampled.

There were other devastating stampedes that resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. In September 2008, 250 people were killed at the Chamundagar temple in Rajasthan. The stampede occurred as pilgrims gathered to celebrate the Navratri festival. The sheer size of the crowd caused a tragic disaster.

Earlier that same year, in August 2008, a stampede at the Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh resulted in 145 deaths. The stampede was triggered by rumors of a landslide, which caused panic among the pilgrims.

In January 2005, another tragedy struck at the Mandhardevi temple in Maharashtra. Over 265 devotees were killed, and hundreds were injured. The stampede occurred because of slippery steps leading up to the temple. People lost their balance and were trampled as they tried to move quickly in the crowded space.

These tragic events highlight a critical need for better crowd management at large religious gatherings. With millions of people gathering for these sacred events, the risks of stampedes are high. The pressure of large crowds, narrow entryways, and inadequate safety measures often result in fatal accidents.

In the case of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, authorities struggled to manage the massive crowd on Mauni Amavasya. Despite efforts to ensure safety, the sheer number of people in such a small area led to chaos and panic. To prevent such tragedies, authorities must drastically improve crowd management strategies. This includes implementing better crowd control techniques, setting up barriers, and ensuring that there is enough space for everyone to move safely.

Furthermore, building safer infrastructure for large gatherings is critical. The design of temples and event spaces must account for large crowds, ensuring that there are enough exits, clear pathways, and emergency medical services in place. Regular training for staff to handle emergencies and manage large crowds can also help reduce the chances of accidents.

The stampedes that have occurred in India over the years are tragic reminders of the dangers posed by large crowds. Whether it’s at the Maha Kumbh Mela, the Vaishno Devi temple, or any other religious gathering, the risk of stampedes is always present. These incidents highlight the need for urgent changes in how large crowds are managed. By improving infrastructure, crowd management, and emergency response systems, India can help prevent such disasters in the future and protect the lives of millions of people who gather for religious festivals and events.