Eight people suffered minor burns when turmeric powder used in celebrations caught fire near the Jejuri temple in Pune district. The incident occurred during a victory event for local body elections, with police attributing the flames to nearby lit diyas. All victims received treatment and were released from hospital.
On Sunday afternoon around 3:30 pm, celebrations for the victory of two Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidates in local body elections were underway near the steps of the famous Khandoba temple in Jejuri town, Purandar taluka, Pune district. During the devotional event, bhandara—a mixture of turmeric and other items including tamarind seeds—was traditionally scattered over the deity and devotees.
Inspector Deepak Waghchure of Jejuri police station stated, “Initial observations suggest that during the celebration, people were showering bhandara. There were diyas lit for rituals, containing camphor. The primary probe indicates that the turmeric came into contact with the diya flames, resulting in a sudden momentary fire. At least eight persons, including two newly elected corporators Swarupa Khomne and Monika Ghadage, sustained minor burns. All were taken to a local hospital, given preliminary treatment, and released.”
Police will investigate the sequence of events and the exact composition of the bhandara used. The incident highlights the need for caution during traditional temple rituals.
