Stampede kills dozens in India at world’s largest religious gathering

Full Episode
49:23

A Sadhu, or Hindu holy man, prays before taking a holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers, on “Mauni Amavasya” or new moon day during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj, India, Jan. 29, 2025.

Deepak Sharma/AP

A deadly stampede interrupts celebrations at a Hindu festival in northern India, leaving dozens of people dead. Kumbh Mela is the world’s largest religious gathering, where upwards of 400 million pilgrims gather at the confluence of two rivers for sacred rituals. Also, US-funded assistance programs across the globe are reeling after the Trump administration freezes most foreign aid. And, scientists discover a wealth of deep sea animal life surrounding a volcano beneath an ocean in the Arctic. Plus, Vietnam rings in its Lunar New Year celebrations with a song by ABBA.

In This Episode

Stampede in India kills dozens during world’s largest religious gathering
7:45
‘Africa’s policeman’ wreaks havoc in its own backyard
5:16
USAID programs remain in limbo, despite President Trump’s exemptions
5:14
Tết celebrations begin in Vietnam with ABBA
3:17
Previously unexplored Arctic mud volcano is a refuge for animal life
4:16
Ukraine’s Radio ROKS: heavy metal —and hackers — for brothers in arms
Special Coverage
13:28
AI speeds up the creation of new manga art, but threatens creativity
5:05
Matt B continues his musical journey to Alkebulan
1:23
Viking fire festival continues ancient tradition
1:01