Mahakumbh Stampede LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is closely monitoring the ‘stampede-like’ situation, spoke to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath four times after local reports stated that at least 15 people were feared dead in Prayagraj. While there are no official confirmation on deaths, authorities said that around 35 devotees have been injured and are undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Amid the tense situation, CM Yogi appealed devotees to not rush towards ‘Triveni Sangam’ river but take a holy dip in ‘snan’ ghats built at several locations in Prayagraj. He also urged people to not listen to rumours. Drone visuals showed thousands of Hindus rushing to take a holy bath in the river at the massive festival.

In view of the stampede, several ‘akhadas’ had called off their ‘amrit snan’ (holy bath). However, later they decided to resume around 10am after situation was brought under control.

Today (January 29) is one of the most auspicious days to take a holy dip due to ‘Mauni Amavasya’. Mauni Amavasya falls on the Hindu calendar day of Magh Krishna Amavasya. This is considered the most auspicious date among all the special bathing dates.

It is believed that on this day, the water of the holy rivers turns into ‘Amrit.’ Mauni Amavasya is also referred to as the ‘Amavasya of the Saints.’ The bath on Mauni Amavasya is traditionally performed in silence.