PRAYAGRAJ, India: A massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh state of India, on Sunday, following a cylinder explosion, local authorities said.
The fire engulfed at least 18 tents at the world’s largest religious gathering, which is expected to draw over 400 million devotees over six weeks.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reached the scene to assess the situation and oversee emergency response efforts, whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sought updates on the incident.
The explosion caused flames that engulfed at least 18 tents in the area. However, fire tenders stationed at the venue as a safety precaution, along with local police and fire departments, quickly responded and brought the blaze under control.

A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also assisted in extinguishing the fire.
Prayagraj Police official Bhanu Bhaskar confirmed that there were no injuries or casualties. “The fire has been controlled. Everyone is safe, and no injuries have been reported,” Bhaskar stated. Nearby tent residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak assured the public that a team of government and health officials was on-site, offering assistance to the saints and devotees.
“The government is also keeping a close watch on the entire incident. The situation is completely under control,” Pathak stated on social media.
The incident occurred during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela, which started on January 13 and is expected to attract over 400 million people throughout its six-week duration.
The event, held at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is regarded as the largest gathering of humanity in the world.