India Temple Stampedes: A Recurring Tragedy at Religious Gatherings Since 2003
NEW DELHI, India – July 27, 2025: Coinciding with such history, deadlier stampedes may go on record at the religious congregations in India. More than so many such instances had occurred, claiming lives from hundreds since the year 2003. Due to that heavy overcrowding, very poor crowd management, and panic, the death tolls have not only raised eyebrows among concerned authorities but have also locked horns with the improving safety protocols that continue to be at work.
Recent Incidents Updating Old Challenges
The most recent hefty accident was recorded on July 27, 2025, at Mansa Devi temple—a hilltop temple in Haridwar—in which at least six perished while several were declared injured. The stampede was reportedly triggered by this electric shock rumor on a crowded, narrow pathway leading into the temple, causing widespread panic among pilgrims in the holy month of Shravan.
Earlier this year, on May 3, 2025, during the annual festival at the Sri Lairai Devi temple in Shirgao village, Goa, six lives were lost and around 100 others sustained injuries. Another tragedy struck on January 8, 2025, at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple, Tirumala Hills, where six devotees died while jostling to grab tickets for the ‘Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Major Stampedes Since 2003
India has witnessed a series of devastating stampedes at religious sites over the past two decades:
- 2003 Nashik Kumbh Mela: On August 27, 2003, 39 pilgrims died and 57 were injured at the Kumbh Mela in Nashik, Maharashtra, following a stampede near the Ramkund during the “Shahi Snan” (royal bath).
- 2005 Mandher Devi Temple, Maharashtra: On January 25, 2005, a stampede at the Mandher Devi temple in Satara district killed 291 pilgrims and injured over 600. The tragedy occurred during an annual pilgrimage, reportedly due to panic caused by people slipping on a steep, slippery path and a fire breaking out at roadside stalls.
- 2008 Naina Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh: On August 3, 2008, 146 people died and 150 were injured at the Naina Devi temple. The stampede was reportedly triggered by rumors of a landslide and a collapsing shelter, leading to panic on a narrow pathway.
- 2008 Chamunda Devi Temple, Rajasthan: On September 30, 2008, a stampede at the Chamunda Devi temple in Jodhpur killed 224 and injured over 400. The incident occurred during the Navratri festival as thousands rushed towards the temple entrance.
- 2011 Sabarimala, Kerala: On January 14, 2011, 102 pilgrims died and over 100 were injured at Pullumedu near Sabarimala. The stampede occurred as pilgrims were returning after witnessing the “Makarajyothi” celestial event, reportedly caused by a vehicle overturning on a narrow forest path, leading to a crush.
- 2013 Prayag Kumbh Mela, Uttar Pradesh: On February 10, 2013, 36 people were killed and 50 injured in a stampede at the Allahabad railway station, where pilgrims were returning from the Maha Kumbh Mela. Overcrowding on a footbridge was a major contributing factor.
- 2013 Ratangarh Mata Temple, Madhya Pradesh: On October 13, 2013, 115 devotees died and 110 were injured at the Ratangarh Mata temple in Datia district. The stampede occurred on a bridge over the Sindh River after rumors of its collapse spread.
- 2015 Godavari Pushkaram, Andhra Pradesh: On July 14, 2015, 29 people died and 60 were injured at the Godavari Pushkaram festival in Rajahmundry. The incident occurred on the opening day as pilgrims rushed to take a holy dip in the Godavari River.
- 2016 Puttingal Devi Temple, Kerala: On April 10, 2016, 106 people were killed and 383 injured due to an explosion and fire during an unauthorized fireworks display at the Puttingal Devi Temple in Kollam. The resulting panic led to a stampede.
- 2022 Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir: On January 1, 2022, 12 people died and 16 were injured in a stampede at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The incident occurred due to an altercation between two groups of devotees, leading to panic and a rush near Gate No. 3.
Underlying Causes and Contributing Factors
A combination of factors typically contributes to these tragedies:
- Overcrowding and insufficient space: Religious gatherings often draw millions, far exceeding the capacity of venues, especially ancient temples with narrow pathways and limited entry/exit points.
- Poor crowd management: Inadequate planning, insufficient deployment of trained security personnel, lack of proper barricading, and ineffective communication systems are common deficiencies.
- Panic triggers: Rumors (e.g., about structural collapse, electrocution, or fire), sudden surges, or minor incidents like a fall can quickly escalate into a stampede in densely packed crowds.
- Inadequate infrastructure: Many pilgrimage sites lack robust infrastructure, including well-defined queues, clear emergency exits, and proper ventilation, exacerbating risks.
- Difficult terrain: Temples located on hilltops or in remote areas present additional logistical and safety challenges.
Government Measures and Ongoing Challenges
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued guidelines for crowd management at mass gatherings, emphasizing pre-event planning, risk assessment, unified control systems, and effective communication. These guidelines recommend measures such as
- Crowd profiling and flow management through snakeline approaches and barricading.
- Establishing clear emergency exits and public announcement systems.
- Deployment of adequate and trained security personnel and emergency medical teams.
- Use of technology like CCTV surveillance and drones for monitoring.
Despite these guidelines, challenges persist in their consistent adoption and implementation by state governments and local authorities. Issues of accountability, lack of sufficient resources, and a high tolerance for crowded conditions among the general public continue to make large-scale religious events susceptible to stampedes. Authorities are continuously urged to enhance preparedness and reinforce strict crowd control measures to prevent future loss of life.
