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News18
27-07-2025
- News18
From Haridwar's Mansa Devi To Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh: A List Of Major Stampedes In India
Last Updated: A stampede at Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, caused by a false electric shock rumor, resulted in six deaths and several injuries. A magisterial inquiry was ordered. In a tragic incident, at least six people lost their lives and several others were injured after a stampede broke out at the holy shrine of Mansa Devi temple in Uttarakhand's Haridwar, where hundreds of devotees had gathered on Sunday to pay obeisance to the deity. The incident took place when a rumour of an electric shock on the stairs spread among the huge crowd of devotees. Investigators did not find any indication of electric wire breaking, as was the rumour, DM Mayur Dixit told reporters. 'We found through photos and videos that someone spread the rumour of electric wire breaking, while looking at the injured or the dead, we did not get any such indication… We will investigate who spread the rumour that caused the stampede and a magisterial inquiry will be set up investigating cameras and other means… The death of 6 people has been confirmed," he said. SSP Pramendra Singh Dobal told news agency ANI that the stampede was triggered by the rumour of an electric shock on stairs 100 metres down the temple route. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami condoled the deaths in the incident and ordered a magisterial inquiry. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the incident and said that the local administration is assisting those affected. A stampede is a sudden, uncontrolled rush of people, causing injury or death due to panic or overcrowding. It occurs when a large crowd moves uncontrollably, often resulting in injury or death due to panic. Other Stampede Incidents This is not the first time that a people have lost their loves died in stampedes at temples and other religious gatherings over the years in India. A stampede at Maharashtra's Mandhardevi temple in 2005 led to the deaths of more than 340 devotees. A stampede at Rajasthan's Chamunda Devi temple in 2008 led to the deaths of over 250 people. A stampede at a religious gathering at Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh caused the loss of lives of 162 people in 2008. Here is a list of some of the major stampedes that occurred in the country over the last two decades. Gundicha Temple Stampede (June 29, 2025): At least three devotees were killed and over 50 were injured after a stampede broke out near Shri Gundicha Temple during the annual Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri. The stampede took place in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Nandighosh, when it reached the Gundicha Temple around 4-5 am on June 29, Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain said as quoted by news agency PTI. Lairai Devi Temple Stampede (May 3, 2025): At least six people were killed and over 70 injured after a stampede took place during the annual Devi Lairai Jatra in Shirgaon village in Goa. The stampede took place as thousands of devotees participated in the procession to witness and take part in the centuries-old ritual at the temple, where barefoot 'dhonds' walk across a bed of burning embers. New Delhi Railway Station Stampede (February 15, 2025): At least eighteen people, including five children and 9 women, lost their lives after a stampede occurred at the New Delhi Railway Station on February 15 this year. The incident took place after hundreds of passengers gathered suddenly on platforms 13 and 14 in a span of 15-20 minutes, triggering a stampede which left several injured. They were waiting to board the train to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh. Maha Kumbh Stampede (January 29, 2025): The religious congregation at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj turned into a nightmare for many as thirty people were killed and 60 were injured when crores of pilgrims jostled for space to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya on January 29 this year. Venkateswara Swamy Temple Stampede (January 8, 2025): At least six people were killed and several others were injured in a stampede in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh on January 8 evening, after thousands of devotees flocked to the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala Hills to get tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam. Hathras Satsang Stampede (July 2, 2024): Over 116 people died and dozens were injured in a stampede at a religious congregation in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district on July 2 last year. The stampede broke out at a 'satsang' (prayer meeting) organised by a self-styled godman, Bhole Baba aka Narayan Saakar Hari. The stampede took place around 3:30 pm when Baba was leaving the venue. Indore Stampede (March 21, 2023): Thirty-six people died when the slab constructed on top of an ancient 'bawdi' or well collapsed during a 'havan' programme held on the occasion of Ram Navami at a temple in Madhya Pradesh's Indore. Vaishno Devi Stampede (January 1, 2022): Twelve people died and over a dozen were injured in a stampede at the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra triggered by a heavy rush of devotees on the occasion of new year. Rajahmundry Stampede (July 14, 2015): Twenty-seven pilgrims died and 20 others were injured in a stampede at a major bathing spot on the banks of the Godavari river where a huge crowd of devotees had gathered on the opening day of the 'Pushkaram' festival in Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh Datia Stampede (October 13, 2013): 115 people were killed and over 100 injured in a stampede during the Navratri festivities near Ratangarh temple in Madhya Pradesh's Datia district. The stampede was triggered by rumours that a river bridge the devotees were crossing was about to collapse. Patna's Chhath Stampede (November 19, 2012): Eighteen people were killed and many others injured as a makeshift bridge caved in, triggering a stampede during the Chhath Puja at Adalat Ghat on one of the banks of the Ganga River in Patna. Haridwar Har-ki-Pauri Stampede (November 8, 2011): Twenty people were killed in a stampede in Haridwar at Har-ki-Pauri ghat on the banks of the Ganga river. Sabarimala Stampede (January 14, 2011): A stampede caused by a jeep crashing into pilgrims at Pulmedu in Kerala's Idukki district left 104 Sabarimala devotees dead and over 40 injured. Pratapgarh Stampede (March 4, 2010): Sixty-three people were killed in a stampede at Ram Janki Temple of Kripalu Maharaj in Uttar Pradesh's Pratapgarh district as people gathered to collect free clothes and food from the religious leader. Jodhpur Stampede (September 30, 2008): Between 220 and 250 devotees were killed and over 60 injured in a stampede triggered by rumours of a bomb going off at Chamunda Devi temple in Rajasthan's Jodhpur. Naina Devi Temple Stampede (August 3, 2008): A stampede triggered by rumours of rockslides at Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district left 162 dead and 47 injured. Mandhardevi Temple Stampede (January 25, 2005): Around 340 devotees were trampled to death and hundreds injured during an annual pilgrimage at Mandhardevi temple in Maharashtra's Satara district. The accident occurred when some people fell down the steps made slippery by the devotees breaking coconuts. top videos View all Nashik Kumbh Stampede (August 27, 2003): Thirty-nine people were killed and around 140 injured in a stampede during the holy bath at the Kumbh Mela in Maharashtra's Nashik district. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 16:12 IST News india From Haridwar's Mansa Devi To Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh: A List Of Major Stampedes In India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
04-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
From Chinnaswamy Stadium To Maha Kumbh, Major Stampedes In 2025 So Far
Last Updated: A joyous moment, where thousands of RCB fans celebrated the team's much-awaited IPL victory, turned tragic after a stampede broke out, killing 11 people. Chaos erupted outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where thousands of people had gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) much-awaited IPL victory, as a stampede broke out. At least 11 people were killed in the stampede and 33 others were injured as people jostled around to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes at the stadium, said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The state government has ordered a probe into the incident, as people from all walks of life expressed condolences over the loss of lives. A political slugfest ensued as the BJP slammed the Congress government for poor management and crowd control. Bengaluru Stampede Live Updates Today's incident adds to the list of major stampedes in India, which have marred key events and celebrations. Goa Stampede, May 2025 At least six people were killed and over 70 injured after a stampede took place during the annual Devi Lairai Jatra in Shirgaon village in Goa on May 3. The stampede took place as thousands of devotees participated in the procession to witness and take part in the centuries-old ritual at the temple. According to the eyewitnesses, the situation escalated after a part of the crowd lost control. Locals and the volunteers at the spot to pull people to safety. The stampede occurred when, at one point along the route, due to a downward slope, the crowd began moving rapidly all at once. New Delhi Stampede, February 2025 A stampede broke out at the New Delhi Railway Station on the night of February 15, killing 18 people and injuring 15 others, according to official records. The rush was for the Maha Kumbh mela in Prayagraj. At a time when Indian Railways were experiencing a heavy rush of passengers heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, hundreds of passengers suddenly gathered on platforms 13 and 14 in a span of 15-20 minutes, triggering a stampede which left several injured. Maha Kumbh Stampede, January 2025 A stampede broke out in the early hours of January 29 at the Sangam area of the Mahakumbh, as millions of pilgrims crowded together to take a holy dip on the occasion of 'Mauni Amavasya'. At least 30 people were killed and 60 others injured in the incident. The stampede broke out as a vast number of devotees jostled for space at one of the most auspicious times during the Kumbh Mela. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had announced a judicial probe into the incident at that time. Tirupati Stampede, January 2025 A stampede broke out in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati temple during the distribution of tokens for Vaikunta Dwara Darshan of Lord Venkateshwara Temple in Tirumala, leaving six dead and 40 others injured. The stampede occurred due to a huge surge of devotees jostling to obtain tokens. Tirupati Municipal Commissioner Mourya said at least 4,000-5,000 people came together at a time, which caused the stampede. First Published: June 04, 2025, 21:03 IST
News18
03-05-2025
- News18
Screams, Slips And A Deadly Fall: Camera Captures Moments When Goa Stampede Breaks Out
Last Updated: Goa Stampede Video: A commotion breaks out as people fall on a downward slope along the route. The video shows people screaming as the procession turns into chaos. Goa Stampede Video: A stampede during the annual Devi Lairai Jatra in Goa's Shirgaon village left at least six dead and over 70 injured. A video of the incident that took place on Saturday morning shows the moments the stampede broke out. Shared by PTI, the clip shows devotees pushing each other as a commotion erupts. In the video, the crowd can be seen screaming as people fall down on the ground, and others begin toppling over them. The commotion broke out when the crowd started moving rapidly due to a downward slope on the route. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra dialled Goa CM Pramod Sawant hours after the incident and took stock of the situation. He also shared condolences on the demise of the devotees. CM Sawant also visited the hospital where the victims were admitted and assured all possible help. He also ordered an inquiry into the incident and stated that its report would be made public. Meanwhile, speaking about the incident, DGP Goa Alok Kumar said that as people fell during the stampede, the police and volunteers conducted a rescue operation and shifted the injured to the hospital. He also mentioned that nearly 1,000 police officials were deployed in the area on Friday. 'The stampede broke out here around a quarter to four in the early morning, maybe because of a rumour. The cause is being investigated… Around 150 people fell down during the stampede. Immediately, the Police and volunteers conducted a rescue operation and shifted the injured to the hospital. We contained the incident to a small area; otherwise, it could have led to more casualties… Around 1000 police personnel were deployed here yesterday," he told ANI. #WATCH | Goa | On the Shirgaon stampede, DGP Goa Alok Kumar says, '… The stampede broke out here around a quarter to four in the early morning, maybe because of a rumour. The cause is being investigated… Around 150 people fell down during the stampede. Immediately, the Police… — ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2025 Goa Health Minister Says 'Focus Is To Save Lives Of Critically Injured' Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that the government was doing its best to save the lives of the victims injured in the stampede. 'This is the most unfortunate incident. My whole team has been active the whole night; they have been working. 80 people have been injured and brought to the hospital. The focus of the Health Department is to save the lives of the critically injured, who are about 10. More than 6 to 7 people have lost their lives. Government is doing the best to save the lives," he said. Goa Govt Cancels All Functions For Coming Three Days The Goa government on Saturday announced the cancellation of all the functions supported by it for the next three days in the aftermath of the stampede. 'In view of the tragic stampede incident that occurred during the Shree Devi Lairai Zatra at Shirgao, and as an expression of condolences to the departed and their families, the Government of Goa directs that all Government- supported festive programmes and public celebrations scheduled over the next three days be cancelled or postponed," a circular issued by Shreyas D'Silva, Under Secretary of General Administration Department, stated. 'All Heads of Departments, Government Corporations and Autonomous Bodies are hereby instructed to ensure strict compliance with this directive," it adds. First Published: May 03, 2025, 14:58 IST
News18
03-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
News18 Afternoon Digest: India Bans Imports From Pakistan, 6 Die In Shirgao Jatra Stampede & Other Top Stories
Last Updated: We are also covering: Channi questions surgical strike, Farooq Abdullah's remark on Kashmiri Hindu killings draws BJP ire, & other top stories. In today's afternoon digest, News 18 brings to you the latest on the Pahalgam terror attack, the Shirgao Jatra stampede, & other top stories. In a further significant move against Pakistan, India has banned the direct or indirect import of all Pakistani goods with immediate effect, according to a notification from the Ministry of Commerce. This step followed the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Read More Amid buzz over a possible military response to the Pahalgam terror attack, Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi on Friday stoked controversy as he raised questions on the Surgical strike conducted by the Indian Army in PoK in retaliation for the Uri attack in 2016, drawing a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Read More Shirgao Jatra Stampede: At least six people were killed and 30 injured after a stampede took place during the annual Devi Lairai Jatra in Shirgaon village in Goa. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday. Read More Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam has landed in controversy in Karnataka after pro-Kannada groups accused him of equating their language activism with terrorism. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a prominent Kannada outfit, has filed a police complaint in Bengaluru and threatened to block Nigam's performances in the state until he issues a public apology. Read More Neymar At The 2026 World Cup? Santos Plan To Help Winger By Extending Contract Santos president Marcelo Teixeira said the club is working to extend Neymar's contract until next year's FIFA World Cup, despite the forward's ongoing injury concerns. First Published: May 03, 2025, 13:04 IST
News18
03-05-2025
- General
- News18
Goa Stampede: What Is Devi Lairai Jatra? Why Thousands Walk Barefoot Across Burning Embers In Shirgao
Last Updated: Shirgao Jatra, also known as Lairai Zatra, is one of Goa's most prominent festivals, held in honour of Goddess Lairai in the village of Shirgao, Bicholim. Shirgao Jatra: In a tragic incident, at least seven people were killed and over 50 were injured after a stampede took place during annual Devi Lairai Jatra in Goa's Shirgao village in early hours of Saturday. The stampede took place when thousands of devotees thronged the temple to witness and participate in the centuries-old ritual at the temple, where barefoot 'dhonds' walk across a bed of burning embers. The jatra was commenced on Friday with thousands of dhonds (devotees) amid the chants of Har Har Mahadev and Lairai Mata Ki Jai. Dhonds fast during the five days of the festival and travel not just from across Goa but also from neighbouring Maharashtra and Karnataka. What Is Shirgao Jatra? Shirgao Jatra, also known as Lairai Zatra, is one of Goa's most prominent festivals, held in honour of Goddess Lairai in the village of Shirgao, Bicholim. This grand event usually occurs in April or May, with dates determined by the Hindu lunar calendar. Held annually, it attracts more than 50,000 devotees. Lairai Devi is a revered Hindu goddess worshipped primarily in Goa. The temple dedicated to the goddess is an important spiritual centre for locals and devotees from neighbouring regions as she is considered a protector and a symbol of strength and fertility. A highlighting feature of the jatra is the famous fire-walking ritual, where devotees, known as 'dhonds,' walk barefoot across a bed of burning embers as a testament to devotion and spiritual purity. Dinanath Gaonkar, president of Lairai Devasthan told Times of India that new dhonds are required to fast for five days of the festival, while the old ones fast for three days. He added that some fast for almost a month before the festival. During the jatra, dhonds have to be pious and consume meals only after a holy dip. On the first day of the festival, after performing all rituals, including Garhane (appeal to the goddess for protection and blessing), the dhonds take a dip into the holy Devichi Tali. On the way to the pond that same evening, a priest holds a kalash (pitcher). Devotees set up firewood in a pyramid form. The firewood that's already set-up in pyramid form is lit by the priest. This process is known as Homkhan (sacred fire), he told the news outlet. After bathing in the pond, dhonds dance around Homkhan until dawn. The dancing ends only after the firewood is reduced to ashes. Thereafter, the dhonds walk barefoot on a flaming coal bed That act of piety is the prime attraction of the jatra. The celebration also includes a grand procession of the deity, accompanied by chanting, drumming, and offerings. Thousands of devotees and visitors gather to witness the rituals and seek blessings from the goddess. First Published:
