Mumbai (AsiaNews) - The death toll from the stampede on the banks of the Godavari at Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh) yesterday morning has risen to 27 people, mostly women.
Thousands of pilgrims gathered at the 32 ghats (access) to immerse themselves in the waters of the sacred river, in the first day of the Hindu Godavari Pushkaram festival.
Msgr. Prakash Mallavarapu, bishop of Vishakapatnam, has stated: "Our hearts go out to the families of the victims. Whatever the reason that caused this regrettable incident, the tragedy of losing 27 lives during a religious celebration is sad and regrettable ".
The Godavari Pushkaram Maha ("Great Worship of the Godavari River") celebrates the sacred river where the god Pushka appears every 12 years. For this, the festival lasts 12 days and falls every 144 years, or the 12th anniversary of the 12th cycle. The next will be celebrated in 2159.
The incident took place at the ghat Kotagumman, when dozens of people in the front rows fell as soon as the gates were opened. Bathing in the river on the first day of the festival is considered the most auspicious, and this is why the crowd started pushing. Most of the victims came from the districts of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram.
"When thousands of people gather in a place so small - the prelate told AsiaNews – it is inevitable that human errors occur. Families may struggle to come to terms with this loss, which occurred in a place of worship. However, I hope and I pray that God, in his goodness and mercy, give them comfort and consolation to accept what happened. Our prayers go out to all of them. "