More than 20 killed in Indian stampede

As many as 25 people were feared dead today after a stampede at a Hindu festival in western India, a top official said.

Maharashtra state home minister Kripa Shankar said up to 25 people were believed to have been killed in the crush.

The tragedy happened as millions of devotees gathered for a bathing festival in the River Godavari at Nasik, about 110 miles north-east of Bombay.

At least 60 people were injured, local reports said. One TV station said most of the dead were elderly women.

The Kumbh Mela festival is held every 12 years, timed in connection with alignments of the Sun and Jupiter.

While the main festival is held near Allahabad city, the Nasik festival is one of the “mini-Kumbhs” that are held more often.

The Godavari is considered sacred by Hindus, who believe they can rid themselves of sin by bathing there on special days.

As many as 60 million people are estimated to take part at various times during the festival, which started on July 30 and ends on September 1.