
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – January 19, 2025
A significant fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Sunday, leading to the destruction of multiple tents. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM in Sector 19 of the Mela’s tent city and was reportedly triggered by the explosion of cooking gas cylinders.
Incident Details:
- Cause: The blaze originated due to a cylinder blast in a tent belonging to the Gita Press.
- Impact: The fire spread rapidly, engulfing approximately 18 tents. Visuals from the site showed plumes of smoke emerging as firefighters worked to control the situation.
- Response: Firefighters were promptly deployed to the scene, and the blaze was contained swiftly. No injuries have been reported.
Official Statements:
- District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar: “The fire broke out around 4:30 PM in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh in a tent belonging to publishing house Gita Press. The fire spread to ten tents nearby but was later extinguished. The situation is normal, and there are no reports of any casualties.”
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: The Chief Minister visited the site of the fire and directed authorities to carry out rescue operations swiftly.
About Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, is considered the world’s largest religious gathering. The 2025 festival commenced on January 13 and is expected to attract over 400 million pilgrims over six weeks. Devotees gather to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, seeking spiritual cleansing.
Safety Measures:
To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, a sprawling tent city has been constructed, featuring thousands of kitchens, toilets, roads, communication towers, and hospitals. Approximately 50,000 security personnel are present to ensure safety and manage the crowds. Fire safety is heavily prioritized, with equipment in every tent, 351 firefighting vehicles, and 2,000 trained personnel ensuring readiness.
Despite the incident, the situation at the Maha Kumbh Mela has returned to normal, and the festival’s activities continue as planned.