Sant Premananda Halts Daily Padyatra Indefinitely Following Stampede in Hathras

2024.07.05 (Vrindavan Today News) In response to the tragic stampede during a satsang in Hathras, which resulted in the deaths of over a hundred people, Sant Premananda ji Maharaj has indefinitely halted his daily early morning pilgrimage. A large number of devotees participate in this pilgrimage to seek his blessings.

Sant Premananda ji would embark on his padyatra daily at around 2:15 AM from his residence on Chatikara Road to his ashram, Shrihit Radha Keli Kunj, located on Parikrama Road. The pilgrimage route spans approximately two kilometers, during which a crowd of devotees would gather for a glimpse of him. The followers, eager for his blessings, were usually managed by his attendants. However, considering the massive turnout and to prevent any untoward incident, it has been decided to put a stop to the pilgrimage.

A notice was posted on Shrihit Radha Keli Kunj’s social media page, Bhajan Marg, which stated: “The incident in Hathras is extremely heart-wrenching and deeply saddening. Our heartfelt condolences are with the families of the victims. We pray to Thakur Ji that no such incident occurs in the future. As a precautionary measure following this incident, Maharaj Ji’s nightly pilgrimage at 2:15 AM from his residence to Shrihit Radha Keli Kunj, where everyone sought his blessings, is hereby suspended indefinitely. Devotees are requested not to stand on the route for darshan at night and to avoid gathering on the pathway.”