Prayagraj, January 20, 2025 — A major fire erupted today at the Mahakumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, in Prayagraj, causing panic among thousands of devotees who had gathered for the sacred event. The fire broke out in the early afternoon in a section of the temporary camps set up for pilgrims and volunteers near the banks of the Ganges River.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the fire quickly spread through the large number of tents, some of which were made from highly flammable materials. “We were sitting near the river when suddenly we saw thick smoke rising into the sky. The fire spread so fast that people had no time to react,” said Amit Singh, a devotee from Varanasi. “Everyone was running to escape, and the sound of fire alarms was deafening.”
Firefighters and emergency responders rushed to the scene, and within minutes, fire engines and water tankers arrived to battle the blaze. Local authorities confirmed that at least 25 fire engines and emergency teams were deployed to contain the fire. By late evening, the fire had been largely brought under control, though several tents and makeshift shelters were completely destroyed.
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of fatalities, but several people sustained minor injuries due to the panic and the fire. Authorities are continuing to assess the situation, and emergency services have been working to ensure the safety of those still present at the event.
In an official statement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his concern over the incident. “Our priority is the safety of the pilgrims and volunteers, and we are doing everything possible to assist in this crisis. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire,” he said.
Although the fire caused significant damage to the camp area, the main bathing ghats and key religious sites at the Mahakumbh remained unaffected, allowing the ongoing rituals to continue. Authorities assured that the event would proceed as planned, with increased safety measures being implemented.
The Mahakumbh Mela, held every 12 years, attracts millions of devotees who come to take part in the holy bathing rituals, believed to cleanse sins. This year’s event, which started earlier this month, has already drawn a large crowd from across the country and abroad.
While the fire has disrupted part of the festivities, relief efforts are underway to assist those affected, and the Mahakumbh Mela’s organizers have promised that the incident will not deter the continuation of the event. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
As the festival continues, the local administration has appealed to attendees to remain vigilant and cooperate with the enhanced safety protocols.
