From religious gatherings to sports celebrations, 2025 has seen many joyous occasions turn into tragic stampedes caused by overcrowding and poor crowd control. With every incident comes the questions: what could have been done better. With India set to host several huge events in the coming year, experts say urgent action is required to prevent more loss of lives.
From Kumbh to Puri: A Timeline Of Deadly Stampedes That Shocked India In 2025
From religious gathers to sports events, stampedes at public events across India are rising at an alarming rate. This is a timeline of recent fatal stampedes across India
This is a look at the 2025 stampedes across India.
Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, January 2025
The biggest Kumbh Mela yet was the sight of a deadly stampede on January 29, 2025 caused by a massive surge of attendees during the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. The Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025 was visited by 66 crore (660 million) people, according to DD News.
Officially, the UP government has acknowledged that 30–39 were killed in the stampede, while over 60 people were injured.
Lairai Devi Jatra, Shirgaon, Goa, May 3, 2025
When a crowd of over 1.5 lakh people descended upon the Lairai Devi Temple for the pilgrimage festival in May 2025, a stampede ensued. Reportedly the stampede was caused by a variety of factors including a scuffle between two groups of dhonds (devotees of Lairai Devi), inadequate queue and crowd control by the authorities, a narrow stretch on a steep incline leading to the temple, and rumours flying thick and fast.
Six persons were killed and more than 70 injured in the stampede.
RCB Victory Celebration, Bengaluru, June 4, 2025
When Bengaluru’s Royal Challengers won the IPL in June, this year, the celebrations quickly gave way to a crowd crush. Thousands of youth gathered on the streets dancing and chanting a modified version of their slogan — “Ee sala cup namdu” (the cup is ours this time).
At least 11 people died and 56 were injured in the ensuing stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Puri Gundicha Temple, Odisha, June 29, 2025
At least three people died in a crowd crush early June 29, this year at the Gundicha temple during the annual Rath Yatra festival.
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