Safety fears grip Prayagraj’s Magh Mela after a third devastating fire in just two days razed a tent to the ground, originating from the Akhand Jyoti and critically injuring a young pilgrim. The repeated blazes are casting a shadow over the vibrant spiritual festivities drawing crowds from across the nation.
It was a routine evening prayer session when disaster struck. The Akhand Jyoti, a centerpiece of devotion with its perpetual flame, suddenly flared up due to high winds, igniting the overhead tent canvas. Flames shot up ferociously, consuming bedding, belongings, and spreading panic among the closely packed tents. Over 200 devotees narrowly escaped, but not without losses.
Among the victims was young Rajesh Kumar, who in a split-second decision rushed into the burning tent to retrieve sacred items and alert others. He emerged with horrific burns, now battling organ failure in the hospital’s ICU. ‘His selfless act saved lives, but at what cost?’ mourned his family at the site.
Fire services contained the fire after a tense 45-minute operation, preventing a larger catastrophe. This is the third alert in 48 hours, following smaller fires that were dismissed as minor. Critics slam the organizers for inadequate precautions like non-flammable tents, wind barriers, and sufficient extinguishers. ‘Pilgrim lives can’t be gambled with tradition,’ said opposition leader commenting on the incidents.
The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a high-level probe, with Mela authorities rolling out immediate reforms: mandatory fire audits, 24/7 patrols, and public advisories on flame safety. As the mela progresses toward its climax, the faithful remain resilient, but the administration must act swiftly to safeguard this cornerstone of Hindu pilgrimage. Lessons from these fires could redefine safety at future Kumbh events.