The Mandhradevi Temple, located in the hilly region of Maharashtra, attracts thousands of devotees every year, particularly during annual festivals. On this occasion, a large number of worshippers flocked to the temple to pay their respects to the goddess during a vibrant and colorful festival that is a highlight of the local religious calendar. As the day progressed, the crowd swelled, creating a tightly packed mass of people navigating the narrow temple grounds.

Panic erupted when rumors spread about an emergency evacuation being needed, prompting a rush towards the exits. The scene quickly escalated into chaos, with people pushing and shoving in desperation. The physical layout of the temple and the surrounding area contributed to the difficulty of managing such a large gathering, as many were trapped and unable to escape the surge of bodies. Rescuers reported difficulty in reaching those trapped due to the overwhelming crowd conditions.

Authorities later confirmed that at least 258 individuals lost their lives, with many others suffering from severe injuries. The event underscored the inherent dangers of large religious gatherings when proper crowd control measures are not in place. Following the incident, there was widespread condemnation of the lack of safety protocols, prompting calls for improved regulations at religious sites, particularly those experiencing significant influxes of visitors.