A stampede broke out during prayers at Madhda Sheetla Temple, leaving several dead and injuring others.

NALANDA: At least eight devotees died and six others were injured in a stampede-like situation at the Sheetalashtami temple in the Maghra area of Bihar Sharif on Tuesday morning.The incident occurred on the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month, when a large number of devotees had gathered at the Sheetalashtami temple. With heavy footfall since early morning, the situation turned chaotic after a sudden rumour triggered panic among the crowd.The rush intensified within seconds, leading to a stampede-like situation. Several people fell amid the surge and were trampled as panic spread.The injured were rushed to a government hospital in Bihar Sharif, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Local residents, along with police and administrative officials, carried out rescue efforts and helped shift the victims. Meanwhile, Bihar is set to host a high-profile academic event, with Droupadi Murmu scheduled to arrive in Rajgir on Tuesday. She will attend the second convocation ceremony of Nalanda University as its Visitor and chief guest. During her visit, her first to the university as President, Murmu will address the gathering, confer degrees, and award gold medals to meritorious students. The ceremony will see participation from 617 graduating students representing 31 countries, along with dignitaries from India and abroad.