Stampede at Hindu holy river kills at least 27 in India

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Max Bearak
The Maha Pushkaralu being held at the banks of Godavari started on a tragic note today with 27 pilgrims being killed in a stampede. Image courtesy of Deccan Chronicle
INDIA---At least 27 people were killed on Tuesday in a stampede in southern India, just hours after the start of a religious festival, an official said. About 1.5 million Hindu pilgrims are estimated to have come to Rajahmundry, a city of roughly 350,000, for Maha Pushkaralu, which is held every 144 years on the banks of the Godavari. The festival marks Jupiter’s crossing into the constellation of Leo, which happens every 12 years. During the festival, pilgrims come to bathe in the river, which is believed to be spiritually cleansing. [link]