The event is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and centres on the belief in the purifying power of sacred rivers. Pilgrims bathe in these rivers, believing the ritual cleanses their sins and brings them closer to spiritual liberation.

Dozens of worshippers are feared dead and many more injured following a stampede or crush Wednesday at the massive Kumbh Mela religious festival in northern India, according to officials.

Accidents such as the deadly stampede at the Kumbh Mela festival in January 2025 are a notorious feature of Indian religious gatherings, but a video shared online does not show a "huge fire" that injured eight at the mass Hindu mela,