At least 40 die in Hindu worshippers stampede in India

By: Irfan Malik

BOMBAY, India: Death toll of stampede at the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela in western India has reached to above 40, according to medics.

Witnesses said the victims were trampled to death and about 200 injured on Wednesday when Hindu worshippers rushing to bathe in one of western India's holiest rivers, Godavari River, broke down a barricade blocking their way to the river on a narrow street in the town of Nashik, some 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of Bombay.

Millions of Hindus are taking part in the Kumbh Mela, which takes place every three years in a different part of India. The festival opened this year July 30 when the Sun and Jupiter entered the constellation of Leo and is due to end September 8.

Wednesday, over 2.5 million Hindu priests and devotees dressed in saffron and white gathered into Nashik, dancing and singing songs.

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