Kumbh News: What's the significance of Mauni Amavasya 'Amrit Snan' and what led to the overcrowding at 1 AM
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Mauni Amavasya's Significance at the Maha Kumbh
Mauni Amavasya is considered one of the most spiritually significant days in Hinduism. The day is dedicated to ancestors, and it is believed that bathing in the sacred Sangam on this day brings virtue and salvation. With the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, the occasion has drawn an even larger crowd than usual. The Mauni Amavasya 'Amrit Snan' is the second of the four major bathing dates of the Mela, and it is expected to witness up to 100 million devotees, according to ANI.
Stampede-Like Situation Causes Chaos at Sangam Ghat
The stampede-like situation at 1 AM began when a barrier collapsed near the Sangam, leading to a sudden surge in the already overcrowded crowd. The initial confusion was exacerbated by misinformation, causing panic among the devotees.
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According to Mahant Ravindra Puri, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, «In the morning, misinformation was spread to create fear in the minds of people. And they succeeded. In the morning when we talked to everyone we found that the reality was different and a lot of rumours were spread.» The authorities rushed to the scene to manage the situation, with several people being injured and others trapped in the rush.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with devotees being pushed and
