Akharas Support Authorities, Cancel 'Amrit Snan' After Tragic Maha Kumbh Stampede
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Synopsis
In light of the recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh, various Akharas have chosen to cancel the 'Amrit Snan' ceremony and support the administration in maintaining public safety amidst rising concerns over crowd management.
Key Takeaways
- Akharas have cancelled the 'Amrit Snan.'
- Support for the administration is emphasized.
- Injuries reported, particularly among women.
- Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
- Concerns over crowd management at large events.
Prayagraj, Jan 29 (NationPress) Following the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, various Akharas have chosen to cancel the 'Amrit Snan' of Mauni Amavasya and fully support the administration in restoring order.
The unfortunate event occurred early on Wednesday as millions of devotees flocked to the Triveni Sangam for the sacred dip. A sudden influx led to the collapse of barricades, causing chaos and widespread panic.
Approximately 30 women sustained injuries during the incident, raising serious concerns regarding crowd management at one of the largest religious gatherings globally.
In light of this, both Nirmohi Akhara and Akhil Bhartiya Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhara announced their withdrawal from the Amrit Snan, emphasizing the need to prevent further disorder and prioritize safety.
This decision came after the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president Mahant Ravindra Puri proposed to call off the 'Amrit Snan' following the tragic event.
In a statement to IANS, Nirmohi Akhara President Mahant Rajendra Das remarked, "As we were preparing for the Amrit Snan, news of this unfortunate incident reached us. After consultations, all members of our Akhara decided to abstain from participating in the Amrit Snan."
"We stand united with the administration during this challenging time and urge devotees to fulfill their snan peacefully and return home. At this moment, no one should be blamed. The situation is under investigation, and while some suspect foul play, our priority is to assist the authorities in managing the crisis," he added.
Akhil Bhartiya Shri Panch Digambar Ani Akhara chief Vaishnav Das Maharaj shared similar views, calling the incident unfortunate.
"Determining responsibility and identifying lapses is the responsibility of the government and administration. From a spiritual standpoint, we view this as a consequence of actions against nature. This is a natural disaster," he stated.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, he continued, "In such circumstances, how can we proceed with the holy dip? Thus, the Akharas have opted to call off the snan. No one will contest this, and no one will partake in the bathing. The administration is not involved in this decision; only one official had come to inform us."
Taking a subtle jab at the frequent VIP visits, he noted, "Repeated VIP visits resulted in special provisions for them, but similar arrangements were not extended to the general public. Perhaps this contributed to the unfortunate situation. However, the administration is now working to regain control."
The stampede transpired nearly a kilometer from the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The surge in devotees caused several women to faint, worsening the chaos.
Rescue teams swiftly transported the injured to nearby hospitals, with critically injured individuals moved to Bailey Hospital and Swaroop Rani Medical College.
In response to the crisis, authorities implemented a crowd diversion strategy, temporarily restricting the entry of devotees into the city and preventing large groups on the outskirts.
This incident has reignited concerns regarding the administration's preparedness to manage such a significant influx of devotees, especially with more crucial bathing dates approaching in the Maha Kumbh calendar.
