How to Survive a Stampede: Real Lessons from Kumbh Mela Chaos INTRODUCTION Imagine this: You’re at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj . The air smells of incense and dust. Over 100,000 people around you chant, push, and move toward the sacred banks. It’s spiritual, chaotic, beautiful—and then suddenly, something snaps. Panic spreads. People start screaming. A stampede erupts. You’re now part of a human wave of fear and confusion. This blog is your mind inside your head: calm, calculating, and clear. Let’s break this down. 1. UNDERSTANDING A STAMPEDE Before surviving, you need to understand what you’re dealing with. A stampede isn’t random. It’s a chain reaction . It often starts with: A sudden fear (rumor of fire, collapse, or police action). Limited exits and poor crowd control. People falling and others stepping on them. Panic overpowering rationality. In places like Kumbh Mela, where devotion runs high and patience...
How to Survive a Stampede: Real Lessons from Kumbh Mela Chaos INTRODUCTION Imagine this: You’re at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj . The air smells of incense and dust. Over 100,000 people around you chant, push, and move toward the sacred banks. It’s spiritual, chaotic, beautiful—and then suddenly, something snaps. Panic spreads. People start screaming. A stampede erupts. You’re now part of a human wave of fear and confusion. This blog is your mind inside your head: calm, calculating, and clear. Let’s break this down. 1. UNDERSTANDING A STAMPEDE Before surviving, you need to understand what you’re dealing with. A stampede isn’t random. It’s a chain reaction . It often starts with: A sudden fear (rumor of fire, collapse, or police action). Limited exits and poor crowd control. People falling and others stepping on them. Panic overpowering rationality. In places like Kumbh Mela, where devotion runs high and patience...