The tragic stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which claimed 30 lives and left 60 injured, is yet another grim reminder of the recurring disasters at religious gatherings in the country. These tragedies, despite their frequent occurrence, continue to expose serious lapses in crowd management, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. It is disheartening that even in 2025, with advanced technology and logistical planning available, such incidents remain a haunting reality. With our deep-rooted religious traditions, our country witnesses some of the largest congregations in the world. Events like the Kumbh Mela, Amarnath Yatra, and Sabarimala pilgrimage attract millions of devotees. However, these gatherings are often marred by stampedes, fires, or other disasters. The reasons are largely the same—overcrowding, lack of proper crowd control mechanisms, inadequate exit routes, and, most critically, administrative complacency. One of the fundamental issues is the sheer scale of these gatherings. While the government and religious bodies are aware of the massive influx of people, arrangements often fall short. Despite past tragedies, lessons are rarely implemented with sustained focus. Take, for instance, the 2013 Kumbh Mela stampede in Allahabad, which claimed 36 lives, or the 2008 Naina Devi temple stampede that killed 162 people. These disasters prompted temporary improvements, but no permanent, foolproof system has been institutionalized to prevent recurrences. Another major issue is the failure of real-time crowd monitoring and management. With advancements in technology, it is possible to deploy AI-based surveillance, crowd density sensors, and predictive analytics to assess risks in real time. However, these measures are often absent or underutilized. Basic crowd dispersal strategies, such as staggered entry-exit timings and designated zones for different groups, are either poorly enforced or ignored. Emergency response also remains woefully inadequate. A stampede requires immediate medical intervention, yet in most cases, ambulances struggle to reach the affected areas due to traffic congestion or poor planning. Temporary medical camps, though set up, are often ill-equipped to handle mass casualties. To avert such tragedies, a multi-pronged approach is needed. First, crowd management should be a year-round planning exercise, not a last-minute arrangement. Authorities should employ technology, including drones, AI-driven crowd monitoring, and mobile-based alerts to prevent congestion. Second, public awareness campaigns must educate devotees on safety protocols. Third, stricter enforcement of entry limits and well-defined exit routes should be mandatory. Lastly, an independent regulatory body must oversee large-scale religious gatherings to ensure safety norms are met consistently. These tragedies are not mere accidents but systemic failures. Until authorities prioritize safety over rituals, and planning over politics, stampedes will continue to claim innocent lives. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself again.