Tirupati Temple Stampede Tragedy

January 10, 2025

On January 8, 2025, a stampede occurred at the Tirupati Temple, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. Thousands had gathered to collect tokens for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara due to the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. This festival, celebrated in the second week of January, attracts number of pilgrims, prompting the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to make extensive arrangements for the influx of devotees.

About Vaikunta Ekadasi

Vaikunta Ekadasi is a highly auspicious day for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Traditionally a one-day event, the festival has expanded to ten days due to increasing attendance. The temple features the Vaikuntha Dwara, a special entrance that opens only on this day, believed to grant devotees access to Vaikuntha, the heavenly realm.

TTD Preparations for the Festival

Preparations for the festival commence in early January with rituals such as Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam, which involves cleansing the temple premises. The TTD anticipates over 700,000 devotees during the festival, providing free darshan tokens through various counters. More than 5,000 officials, including TTD staff and volunteers, are mobilised to ensure smooth operations. Security measures include the deployment of 1,800 police personnel at Tirumala and 1,200 at Tirupati.

Events During the Festival

The festival features numerous activities, including the procession of Sri Malayappa Swamy in a golden chariot on January 10. The TTD issues Slot Sarva Darshan (SSD) tokens in advance, detailing entry and parking information to facilitate the devotees’ experience. The temple is adorned with floral decorations and lights, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Human Psychology and Crowd Behaviour

Crowd dynamics play role in stampedes. Panic often leads to chaotic behaviour, as individuals react impulsively to perceived threats. Psychologist Alexander Mintz’s theory marks that when cooperation breaks down in emergencies, individuals may resort to pushing, exacerbating the situation. Sociologist Neil J. Smelser’s concept of “craze” further explains how collective beliefs can lead to irrational behaviours in crowds.

Mitigation Strategies for Stampedes

Preventing stampedes requires careful planning and design of spaces for mass gatherings. Factors such as crowd density, exit accessibility, and real-time monitoring are crucial. Researchers suggest implementing live surveillance to track crowd behaviour and density. Effective communication among organisers and timely warnings to the crowd can also mitigate risks.

Vaikuntha Ekadasi is a 10-day festival.
TTD employs over 5,000 officials for crowd management.
Stampedes are often triggered by panic and miscommunication.
Traumatic asphyxia is a leading cause of stampede fatalities.
Psychological theories explain crowd behaviour during emergencies.