Stampede at Sheetla mata temple in Nalanda kills 8, several injured

Nalanda (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic stampede at the Sheetla Mata temple in Maghra village of Bihar’s Nalanda district has claimed the lives of eight people, all of whom were women. More than six others were injured in the incident, leading to chaos at both the temple premises and nearby hospital.

According to available information, only two of the deceased have been identified so far—Rita Devi (50), wife of Dinesh Rajak from Sakunt Bihar, and Rekha Devi (45), wife of Kamlesh Prasad from Mathurapur Noorsarai.

The injured have been shifted to a model hospital for treatment. The incident occurred on the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month, when a large number of devotees had gathered at the temple for prayers. During this heavy rush, a stampede broke out inside the temple premises.

The temple is located about 5 kilometers from Bihar Sharif in Nalanda district. On Sheetla Ashtami, which falls during the Krishna phase of the Chaitra month, special prayers are offered. As per tradition, devotees do not cook food on this day and instead offer previously prepared cold food to the deity. The occasion typically draws massive crowds, with long queues of devotees waiting for darshan.

Authorities have been informed, and further details are awaited.