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Mahamaham stampede at Kumbakonam
A stampede at the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam during the 12-yearly festival killed 48 pilgrims.
The Mahamaham festival, held once in 12 years at the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam, drew about a million devotees in 1992. On 18 February 1992 a stampede broke out on the steps around the tank as a large crowd tried to enter the water at the same time. Forty-eight pilgrims died and dozens were injured. The visit of Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa that day was criticised for adding to crowd pressure. The tragedy led to improved crowd management and infrastructure for later festivals.
