On Sunday, a fire erupted in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela area in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, due to a gas leak in a ‘kalpvasi’ tent. The tent, owned by Rajendra Jaiswal of Karma, Prayagraj, and set up by Om Prakash Pandey Seva Sansthan, was completely destroyed. Firefighters responded promptly, extinguishing the blaze within 10 minutes. No casualties were reported.
This incident follows a similar event on February 7, when a fire broke out at the ISKCON camp in Sector 18, affecting around 20 tents. Fortunately, no injuries occurred.
Earlier, on January 19, a significant fire in Sector 19 resulted from an LPG cylinder explosion, destroying over three dozen tents. Swift action by fire services, NDRF, SDRF, and police ensured the blaze was controlled quickly, with over 25 people evacuated from nearby camps.
Despite these incidents, the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has attracted millions of devotees. By Friday evening, over 4.876 million devotees had thronged the sacred Sangam in Prayagraj to take a holy dip. So far, more than 102 million people have taken a holy dip since the event commenced.
In response to the fires, authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially concerning the use of LPG cylinders and electrical equipment. Organizers are working to enhance safety measures to prevent future incidents and ensure the well-being of all attendees.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, is scheduled to conclude on February 26. As the festival progresses, officials remain vigilant, aiming to provide a safe environment for the remaining duration of the event.
