Fire at Mahakaleshwar Temple During Holi Celebrations Injures 14

In a tragic incident at the Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, at least 14 individuals, including priests, were injured following a fire outbreak amid Holi festivities on Monday. The fire, according to Ujjain District Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh, occurred during the ‘bhasma aarti’ within the temple’s sanctum sanctorum as colored powder (gulal) used in the celebrations came into contact with a puja thali, leading to the blaze. Rapid response ensured the fire was quickly managed, and the injured were promptly taken to a district hospital, with eight requiring further treatment in Indore. Authorities have now normalized the situation, allowing for continued worship at the site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended their wishes for a swift recovery to those affected. The Prime Minister emphasized the ongoing support from the state government and local administration towards the victims’ welfare through a post on X. Chief Minister Yadav, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, announced a magisterial investigation to prevent future occurrences and confirmed immediate aid to the injured priests now in hospital care.

The incident has sparked concerns over safety measures during festival celebrations, with district officials investigating the possibility of a chemical presence in the colored powder that exacerbated the fire. The Chief Minister has vowed to take decisive action against those found responsible, underlining the state’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and religious sites.

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