Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is the second top official after Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in the crush. In a post on X, he called the accident in Prayagraj "extremely painful" and expressed condolences to victims' relatives.

At least 30 people have been killed and dozens more injured in crowd crushes at the Maha Kumbh Mela in India, where millions have gathered to bathe at the confluence of sacred rivers.

Now, let us know the mythology and astrology associated with the Kumbh Mela. There are many theories prevalent around the Kumbh Mela's origin. While some say that the festival is mentioned in the Vedas and Puranas, a few others say it is very recent, having a history of two centuries.

Nearly 40 dead in crowd crush at world’s largest religious festival in India - Indian authorities are yet to issue an official statement but death toll is feared to be as high as 50

The Kumbh Mela happens every 12 years at Sangam, the confluence of three sacred rivers - the Ganges (Ganga), Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Hindus believe that bathing in the sacred waters will cleanse them of sins and help them attain salvation.

The Hindu festival that turned deadly in northern India on Wednesday is a religious gathering with deep spiritual meaning for devotees who come by the millions to take a cleansing dip in waters they consider sacred.