Ujjain: A fire broke out in the sanctum sanctorum (‘garba griha’) of Ujjain’s Mahakal temple during Holi festivities on Monday morning, injuring over 14 people, police reported.
The injured have been hospitalized.
The fire broke out during the ‘bhasma aarti’ inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. Ujjain District Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh explained, “As gulal (coloured powder) was being thrown to celebrate Holi, some of it landed on the puja thali which fell on the ground, causing the blaze. The fire was quickly brought under control.”
Singh stated, “A magisterial inquiry has been initiated into the fire incident, which occurred during Bhasm Arti in the Mahakal temple.”
Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, Mrinal Meena, and Additional Collector, Anukul Jain, will conduct a thorough review of the incident and submit a report within three days.
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has announced assistance of one lakh rupees each and free treatment for the injured individuals.