Sunday, February 10, 2013

Fatal Stampede

Hinduism, is a very popular religion that is practice around many areas to this day. Most Hindus tend to live in the middle east and neighboring countries. There is a pilgrimage that Hindus take as a practice of their religion, they endure a long period of traveling by walking, and do it to be cleanses of sins and replenished by faith. In Allahabad, India, there was a terrible tragedy that occurred today. As people thousands of pilgrims arrived to the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers a nearby stampede traveled their way. 30 people were killed, and several others were injured. The dead bodies were covered in white sheets, and some appeared to be young children. People were devastated by the event and were even more frustrated by the fact that the police didn't get involved soon enough.

I think that this is a very sad story. I think that the police should've had a plan in case this occured because this is not the first time that a stampede has broken out during the pilgrimage.  1840, 1906, 1954 and 1986 were also other dates where many fatalities occured due to the outbreak of a stampede. You'd think by now the people or police would have some sort of protection for those who are attending the pilgrimage! It's outrageous how many people still go to the voyage aside from the recent deaths. I'd be scared to participate in this, but it truly shows how strong faith is in the world. 


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/11/world/asia/deadly-stampede-at-the-hindu-festival-kumbh-mela.html?hp&_r=0

1 comment:

  1. I know that I would not go on a religious pilgrimage if I knew that I could die. I find it unbelievable that there is no plan in place by the police to stop this from happening. You would think that on such a popular pilgrimage that this has happened at before, they would have caught on and found a way to stop this from happening. Obviously these people have a lot of faith, and truly believe what their faith teaches to go on a pilgrimage like this. I know I wouldn't, but they are very strong in their faith. I think it is very sad that children would be killed during this pilgrimage, but I have to wonder why anyone would bring their children on a pilgrimage where they could be killed. This is really a tragic event, and I hope that it can be prevented in the future.

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