(Reuters) - Multiple casualties were feared after a stampede-like incident broke out at a Hindu religious festival, the Maha Kumbh Mela, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, India's The Hindu newspaper reported early hours, citing news agency PTI.

Tens of thousands of people at a massive religious gathering in India rushed to take a holy bath in the country's northern Prayagraj city, setting off a stampede early Wednesday that injured dozens, local media reported.

People were trampled as pilgrims rushed to bathe in holy waters at the Maha Kumbh Mela, a huge Hindu festival. Many pilgrims rushed to safety while first responders searched the site. People looked for their loved ones and their belongings.

A deadly stampede at the Hindu Kumbh Mela festival, the world's largest religious gathering in India, left at least 15 people dead and many others injured on Wednesday, according to a doctor at

At least seven people were killed and dozens suffered injuries in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in India, where millions have gathered to bathe at the confluence of three sacred rivers.

People were trampled as pilgrims at the Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s biggest gatherings, gathered at the confluence of two sacred rivers, officials said.

The six-week festival is the single biggest milestone on the Hindu religious calendar and millions of people had been expected to participate in a sacred day of ritual bathing on Wednesday.

A stampede injured dozens of people early Wednesday as tens of thousands of Hindus rushed to take a holy bath in the river at the massive Maha Kumbh festival in northern India, local media reported.