Key Points
- Fire erupted in Narayan Shukla Dham camp in Sector 5 of Magh Mela area in Prayagraj.
- Around 15 tents and nearly 20 nearby shops were gutted in the blaze, significant property loss reported.
- Approximately 50 Kalpavasis present in the camp were evacuated in time, no injuries or casualties reported.
- Flames and thick smoke were visible from several kilometers away, triggering panic and brief stampede like scenes.
- 5 to 7 fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control after sustained efforts.
- A short circuit is suspected to be the cause, though an official probe is underway and final confirmation is awaited.
A massive fire created panic at the ongoing Magh Mela 2026 in Prayagraj when flames erupted in a camp in Sector 5 on Tuesday evening, sending pilgrims running for safety. The blaze broke out at the Narayan Shukla Dham camp located on the Kali Road stretch of the fair area, where a large number of devotees were staying for Kalpavas, a month-long religious observance.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly through the canvas tents and surrounding temporary structures, leading to a sudden rush as people tried to move away from the affected area. Thick plumes of smoke and high flames were visible from several kilometres away, adding to the chaos in the densely crowded fair zone.
Damage To Tents And Shops
Initial assessment from the administration indicates that around 15 tents of Narayan Shukla Dham camp were destroyed in the fire, along with all belongings and religious materials kept inside them. In addition, nearly 20 shops set up outside the Kalpavasi camp area were gutted, causing heavy financial loss to small traders and vendors operating at the Mela.
Local reports mention that approximately 50 people were present in the affected camp when the fire started, but a timely alert and swift movement ensured that all of them managed to come out safely. Despite the intensity of the blaze, authorities and organisers have confirmed that there has been no loss of life and no injuries have been reported so far.
Cause Of Fire And Official Response
As per early inputs, a suspected short circuit in the electrical system of the camp is being cited as the likely trigger for the fire, which then spread quickly through the flammable tent material. However, officials have clarified that a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause, and a formal report will be prepared after technical inspection of the site.
The fair administration, police and fire brigade swung into action immediately after information was received about the incident, with security and coordination teams rushing to Sector 5 from the Mela control room. Religious leaders and camp organisers also joined hands with the administration to help guide devotees away from the area and assist in initial relief work.
Firefighting, Evacuation And Relief
According to officials, 5 fire tenders were initially dispatched to the spot, later joined by more vehicles, with a total of around 6 to 7 fire brigade vans engaged in controlling the blaze. Fire personnel fought the flames for an extended period before finally bringing the situation under control, preventing the fire from spreading to adjoining camps and major congregation zones.
Security personnel and volunteers promptly evacuated nearby tents and camps as a precautionary measure, ensuring that Kalpavasis and other pilgrims were moved to safer locations away from the smoke and fire. The displaced Kalpavasis are being provided temporary arrangements, basic facilities and initial assistance, while damage assessment and rehabilitation measures are being coordinated by the Mela administration.
Magh Mela 2026, A 44 Day Spiritual Fair
The Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 began on January 3, 2026, on Paush Purnima, and is scheduled to continue till February 15, 2026, concluding on Maha Shivratri. This annual fair, often described as a “mini Kumbh”, is held on the sands near the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the invisible Saraswati, and attracts millions of devotees who come to take holy dips and perform spiritual rituals during the 44 day period.
