Haridwar, Uttarakhand | July 27, 2025: Tragedy struck the holy city of Haridwar on Saturday as a stampede at the Mansa Devi Temple claimed the lives of seven devotees and left at least 55 others injured. The incident occurred on the staircases leading to the main temple amid a large gathering of pilgrims during the auspicious Hindu month of Sawan.
According to officials, panic ensued following rumours of electrocution on the temple premises, triggering chaos among the crowd. Devotees attempting to flee led to a stampede on the narrow stairway.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Haridwar, Pramendra Singh Dobal, confirmed the deaths and said that over 35 injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals. “The initial cause of the stampede appears to be fear stemming from false information about electric current in the area,” he said.
Visuals from the scene showed injured devotees being carried to ambulances while several others were seen receiving medical treatment. Garhwal Division Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed that a huge crowd had gathered at the temple before the stampede took place.
One injured devotee from Bihar recounted the terrifying moments: “There was a sudden surge in the crowd. In the chaos, I fell and fractured my hand.”
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Taking to social media, he wrote:
“It is extremely distressing to receive news of a stampede on the route to the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar. @uksdrf, local police, and other rescue teams have reached the site and are engaged in relief and rescue operations. I am in constant contact with the local administration, and the situation is being closely monitored. I pray to Mother Goddess for the safety and well-being of all devotees.”
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police remain at the site, continuing rescue and relief efforts. The government has assured that necessary medical assistance is being provided to the injured.
The Mansa Devi temple, especially during Sawan, draws thousands of Shiv devotees, including Kanwariyas, who visit Haridwar to collect holy Ganga water. The incident has raised concerns over crowd control and safety measures at key religious sites during peak pilgrimage seasons.
