Belagavi: A joyful pilgrimage turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when four people from Belagavi lost their lives in a devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Wednesday. Among the victims was 24-year-old Megha Hatarawata, who had convinced her father to let her and her mother visit the religious gathering. What was meant to be a spiritual journey ended in sorrow, as their bodies were brought back home instead of cherished memories.
A Life Full of Dreams Cut Short
Megha was a young woman with big dreams and a bright future. In just two months, she was set to be married. But fate had other plans. Megha and her mother, Jyoti Deepak Hatarawata (44), tragically lost their lives in the stampede, leaving behind a grieving father, Deepak, who is now struggling to come to terms with his loss.
This is the tragic story of Jyoti and her daughter Megha, residents of Vadagavi, Belagavi, who were among the victims of the deadly stampede that occurred on Wednesday at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
“I May Never Get This Chance Again” – Megha’s Last Wish
Deepak and Jyoti, both working as Account Superintendents in the Irrigation Department, had two daughters. Their elder daughter was married and living in Hukkeri, while Megha had recently completed her graduation and was working in a private company in Belagavi. The family had begun looking for a suitable groom for Megha, and her wedding was planned for March. However, Megha was determined to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela before her marriage. "I won't get another chance to go after marriage. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that happens every 144 years," she had told her father, convincing him to allow her and her mother to go.
Her Final Facebook Live
A passionate content creator, Megha had a habit of making reels and short videos. During her trip to Prayagraj, she live-streamed moments from the Maha Kumbh Mela on Facebook. In what would become her final video, she said, "We are in Prayagraj, at the sacred gathering. The crowd is massive, and the rush is intense. Stay safe, everyone."
Moments later, tragedy struck. The stampede claimed the lives of Megha, her mother Jyoti, Arun Koparde (61) from Shetty Galli, and Mahadevi Hanumantha Bavanur (48) from Shivaji Nagar, Belagavi. Arun Koparde’s wife, Kanchan, suffered injuries but survived.
A Father’s Unbearable Loss
The sudden loss of his wife and daughter left Deepak in shock and devastation. Overcome with grief, he struggled to inform relatives about the tragedy. His sorrowful words and the pain in his eyes moved everyone around him.
Friends and Family in Mourning
"We affectionately called her 'Maggie'. Megha was deeply connected to her roots, faith, and culture. She was thrilled about attending the Maha Kumbh Mela and left with so much excitement. We can’t believe she is no longer with us," said Megha’s close friends, unable to hold back their tears.
Sarika Patil, a city employee and a close acquaintance of the Hatarawata family, expressed deep sorrow. "Megha and Jyoti were kind-hearted individuals. Jyoti played an active role in 40 social organisations in Dharmasthala. Megha was set to start a new chapter in her life, but destiny had a cruel twist. They went on a pilgrimage, never to return."
Community Mourns More Losses
Apart from Megha and Jyoti, Belagavi also lost two other residents—BJP worker Arun Koparde and Mahadevi Bavanur. "God called these four to him in the sacred land," said Sarika Patil. "The entire city of Belagavi mourns with their families."
Survivors Assure Families of Their Safety
A total of 60 people from Belagavi had travelled to Prayagraj on January 26 via Sairat Travel Agency. Following the tragedy, the remaining 56 survivors released a video statement to reassure their families: “We are safe. No one needs to worry. We are returning home by bus.”
Stampede Details and Travel Arrangements
The travel agency had arranged accommodation and meals for the pilgrims. Their bus was parked 30–40 km away from the main gathering, and the group was divided into smaller batches for bathing in the sacred river. During the Brahmi Muhurta, a group of nine people had gone for a holy dip when the stampede occurred. Tragically, four of them lost their lives. In their statement, the survivors clarified that Sairat Travels had provided clear safety instructions and were not responsible for the tragedy. They mourned the loss of their fellow pilgrims and prayed for the grieving families.
A Tragedy That Shook a Community
The Maha Kumbh Mela, a grand religious gathering, turned into a nightmare for these families. As Belagavi mourns the loss of its beloved residents, the memories of Megha, Jyoti, Arun, and Mahadevi remain etched in the hearts of those who knew them. Their tragic fate serves as a painful reminder of how unpredictable life can be.
