How to Stay Safe in a Crowd like the Kumbh Mela

The tragic stampede prompted this guide on How to Stay Safe in a Crowd like the Kumbh Mela. The tragic stampede at the Kumbh Mela is a stark reminder that while faith moves us, safety must guide us. Having been at the Kumbh just weeks ago, I felt the energy of the crowd, the sheer vastness of humanity converging on a single sacred space — and with that, the reality of how quickly things can turn.
While large-scale crowd control is the responsibility of organizers and authorities, we, as individual pilgrims, can take steps to ensure our own safety and that of those around us. In earlier posts I had mentioned that planning and timing was crucial.

Here are some practical steps we can take:

1. Scan Your Surroundings

In a crowd, awareness is your best tool.

• Note exits and escape routes when you enter a crowded area.
• Identify police posts, medical stations, and barricades ahead of time.
• If you see a bottleneck forming, move away from it early.

2. Avoid Dense, Stationary Crowds