More than seven people were killed and around 10 injured in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India on Wednesday, said an official, as tens of millions gathered to take a holy dip on the most auspicious day of the six-week Hindu festival.

Dozens of worshippers are feared dead and many more injured following a stampede or crush Wednesday at the massive Kumbh Mela religious festival in northern India, according to officials.

A stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya morning on Wednesday (29 January) left around 30 women injured, prompting Akharas to cancel their holy dip. A massive influx of devotees into Prayagraj's tent city for the 'Amrit Snan' led to overcrowding near the Sangam.