PRAYAGRAJ, India — A devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival early Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people and left many injured as millions of Hindu pilgrims rushed to take ritual baths at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

The incident occurred during a peak time of the six-week festival, as an estimated 100 million devotees were present at the site. Reports suggest that the chaos ensued when the crowd attempted to breach barricades set up for a procession of revered holy men. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed that some injuries were serious, though details about fatalities initially remained unclear, with reports varying on the exact count.

As millions flocked to the rivers, the atmosphere was charged and chaotic. Many families were desperately seeking news of missing loved ones amidst the distressing scenes where clothes, blankets, and personal belongings were left strewn about. The stampede occurred between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., with one survivor recounting, "Suddenly there was pushing in the crowd, and we got trapped. A lot of us fell down and the crowd went uncontrolled," according to Voice of America.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing the tragedy as "extremely sad." The festival, which began on January 13 and is held only once every twelve years, is known as the world’s largest religious gathering, attracting over 400 million attendees during its entire duration. Close to 150 million have already participated thus far, including political figures and celebrities.

To manage the overwhelming influx of people, authorities established a temporary city comprising roads, electricity, water, and over 3,000 kitchens, along with 11 hospitals across the 4,000-hectare pilgrimage area. Nevertheless, despite these precautions, the risk of overcrowding and subsequent stampedes remains a significant challenge, as seen in previous years where similar events led to tragic outcomes. In 2013, a stampede occurred at a train station in Prayagraj, resulting in over 40 deaths, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding crowd control measures during such massive gatherings.

As the aftermath of this latest tragedy unfolds, the public is calling for better crowd management strategies to ensure the safety of participants during this culturally significant event for India’s Hindu population, which constitutes nearly 80% of the country's more than 1.4 billion population. Critics within the political arena have accused local and federal authorities of exhibiting "mismanagement" and prioritizing "VIP culture" over the needs of the general attendees of the festival.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as the festival progresses, with calls for investigations aimed at preventing future incidents. The Maha Kumbh festival is not only a major religious event but also a focal point of cultural pride among Hindus, warranting significant media and public attention.

For further details on this tragic event, you can refer to the full report on AP News, NPR, Newsweek, TIME, and VOA News.