Flames engulf banyan tree during Vat Savitri puja in Bihar, raises fire safety concern
A banyan tree caught fire during Vat Savitri Puja at the Fatuha block office premises in Patna, causing brief panic among devotees. No injuries were reported, but the incident has raised concerns over fire safety during rituals.
A major accident was narrowly avoided in Bihar’s Patna after a banyan tree caught fire during Vat Savitri Puja celebrations at the Fatuha block office premises, causing panic among devotees gathered at the site.
According to reports, a large number of women were performing rituals around the banyan tree when the fire suddenly broke out. The blaze is believed to have started after flames from ghee lamps used during the prayers spread to the dry threads tied around the tree as part of the ritual.
The fire spread rapidly, and within minutes, the tree was engulfed in flames. Visuals from the spot showed the banyan tree burning intensely as people nearby rushed away in panic. The sudden incident created chaos at the crowded location, with devotees seen moving to safer areas.
Watch the video here:
Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Local residents and people present at the venue tried to control the fire before authorities were informed. The situation was later brought under control.
Vat Savitri Puja is observed by married Hindu women in several states across India. During the ritual, women tie sacred threads around a banyan tree and offer prayers for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Since the ceremony often involves lighting oil or ghee lamps near trees decorated with cloth and thread, the incident has also raised concerns about fire safety arrangements during such gatherings.
The incident has gone viral on social media as users pointed out the lack of fire safety in such rituals.
Officials are yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the incident. The extent of the damage caused to the tree also remains unclear.
The incident comes amid large-scale Vat Savitri Puja celebrations being held across Bihar and other north Indian states, where devotees gathered at temples and public spaces since early morning to perform the traditional rituals.
(With inputs from Rajesh Kumar Jha)
A major accident was narrowly avoided in Bihar’s Patna after a banyan tree caught fire during Vat Savitri Puja celebrations at the Fatuha block office premises, causing panic among devotees gathered at the site.
According to reports, a large number of women were performing rituals around the banyan tree when the fire suddenly broke out. The blaze is believed to have started after flames from ghee lamps used during the prayers spread to the dry threads tied around the tree as part of the ritual.
The fire spread rapidly, and within minutes, the tree was engulfed in flames. Visuals from the spot showed the banyan tree burning intensely as people nearby rushed away in panic. The sudden incident created chaos at the crowded location, with devotees seen moving to safer areas.
Watch the video here:
Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
Local residents and people present at the venue tried to control the fire before authorities were informed. The situation was later brought under control.
Vat Savitri Puja is observed by married Hindu women in several states across India. During the ritual, women tie sacred threads around a banyan tree and offer prayers for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Since the ceremony often involves lighting oil or ghee lamps near trees decorated with cloth and thread, the incident has also raised concerns about fire safety arrangements during such gatherings.
The incident has gone viral on social media as users pointed out the lack of fire safety in such rituals.
Officials are yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the incident. The extent of the damage caused to the tree also remains unclear.
The incident comes amid large-scale Vat Savitri Puja celebrations being held across Bihar and other north Indian states, where devotees gathered at temples and public spaces since early morning to perform the traditional rituals.
(With inputs from Rajesh Kumar Jha)
