A delegation of 118 members, comprising heads of mission, diplomats, and their spouses from 77 countries, is set to visit the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj on Saturday. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, during a press briefing. Addressing concerns about reports of a stampede, Jaiswal confirmed that the visit would proceed as planned on February 1.
Meanwhile, a three-member judicial commission has been formed to investigate the tragic stampede that occurred during the Mauni Amavasya festivities at Mahakumbh. The incident, which took place early Wednesday at the Sangam, claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 others injured. On Friday, commission members visited Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj, where several victims were admitted.
Justice (Retd.) Harsh Kumar, who heads the commission, stated that the panel took immediate charge of the investigation upon arriving at their office in Lucknow on Thursday. He emphasized that, while they have a month to submit their findings, every effort will be made to complete the inquiry as swiftly as possible. The commission’s mandate includes analyzing the causes and circumstances of the tragedy and recommending preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Despite the unfortunate event, the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 continues to witness an extraordinary turnout. According to the Uttar Pradesh Information Department, over 296.4 million devotees have gathered at the sacred Sangam, taking ritualistic dips in the Triveni waters.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, rooted in Hindu mythology, is considered the largest religious gathering in the world. It draws a diverse congregation, including ascetics, saints, sadhus, sadhvis, and pilgrims from various backgrounds. The current Mahakumbh is being held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, marking a grand spiritual event that occurs once every 144 years.
