A tragic stampede during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on January 28, 2025, claimed 30 lives. People from various states lost their lives, including 11 from Bihar. Among them were people from Gopalganj, Aurangabad, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Supaul, Banka, and West Champaran. The atmosphere in the villages, including Maner in Patna, remains heavy with grief. Women who survived the disaster are still in shock.
‘It Feels Like Rebirth’
Savita Devi’s son, who was relieved to see his mother return alive, described it as a second chance at life. He said he would never let her attend such fairs again. Rinku, the daughter-in-law of Sia Devi, who lost her life in the stampede, is in shock and unable to speak or cry, having seen death up close.
‘Never Again to Kumbh’
Rinku said she was walking with her mother-in-law toward the Sangam Ghat when a sudden rush of people came from the opposite direction. She somehow escaped but could not save her mother-in-law. It was her first visit to the Kumbh, and she vowed never to go again.
Severe Physical and Emotional Pain
Nearby lives 70-year-old Janaki Devi, who barely survived the stampede. Villagers regularly visit her, concerned for her well-being. She was given several injections before regaining consciousness. Her body still trembles, and even slight movement causes her pain.
Terrified and Traumatised
Savita Devi, Anita Devi, and Chandra Devi from the same village also attended the Kumbh. Anita Devi shared that people said bathing in the Kumbh grants a place in heaven, so they went for the holy dip. However, chaos broke out as soon as they reached the ghat. She pleaded with a man to help her out, and he pulled her to safety.
Savita Devi’s son recalled how they cried upon hearing about the stampede. His mother was rescued by a police officer. Even now, she is mentally disturbed, frequently trembling and bursting into tears.
Chandra Devi described the scene as horrifying, with people trampling over each other. “The stronger ones were pushing down the weaker ones,” she said, expressing anger at the government and administration for the chaos.
