Uttar Pradesh

• 30 Jan 2025

Stampede at Maha Kumbh 2025

Why in News? 

A tragic stampede took place at the Triveni Sangam (confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) in Prayagraj as thousands of devotees gathered for the Mauni Amavasya ‘Amrit Snan’ at the Maha Kumbh.  

• The massive crowd surge created chaos, leading to a stampede that caused multiple casualties and injuries. 

Key Points 

• Significance of Amrit Snan: 
  • The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya is the most significant ritual of the Maha Kumbh 2025, and event held even greater importance due to the rare celestial alignment of ‘Triveni Yog,’ which occurs once every 144 years. 
    • Nearly five crore devotees had already arrived a day before the Amrit Snan, with the number expected to reach 10 crore on the day itself. 
• Mauni Amavasya:  
  • About:  
    • Mauni Amavasya, also known as Maghi Amavasya or Magh Amavasya, is an important day that occurs during the Magha month on the new moon (Amavasya). 
    • This spiritually significant day is deeply rooted in the traditions of the North Indian calendar.  
    • It is marked by introspection, silence, and soul purification through sacred rituals, with the holy dip in the Ganges River being one of its most prominent practices. 
  • Significance of Mauni Amavasya 2025: 
    • "Mauni" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Mauna," meaning "silence 
    • " Observing a vow of silence on this day is a common practice among devotees, promoting spiritual discipline and inner peace.  
    • Silence is seen as a powerful tool for self-purification and spiritual growth. 
    • A holy dip in the Triveni Sangam during the Kumbh Mela is believed to cleanse devotees of past sins and lead them toward salvation or Moksha. 
    • Additionally, performing rituals to honour ancestors on Mauni Amavasya is thought to bring happiness and blessings, as well as help alleviate Pitru Dosha, offering relief to those facing ancestral karmic imbalances.