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Fire at Digambar Akhara camp at Kumbh Mela venue in Prayagraj

A camp at Kumbh Mela venue in Prayagraj on Monday caught fire, sending devotees scrambling for safety.

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Fire breaks out at a camp of Digambar Akhada at Kumbh Mela venue
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A camp at Kumbh Mela venue in Prayagraj on Monday caught fire, sending devotees scrambling for safety, after a cylinder exploded in a tent.

The incident took place just a day before the official start of Kumbh Mela and on the occasion of Makar Sankranti when scores of devotees have gathered on the banks of Sangam to take holy dip. 

A camp of Digambar Akhada at Kumbh Mela caught fire in the noon on Monday, ANI reported. Fire fighters  rushed to control the blaze which engulfed the makeshift structure at the venue.

There is no report of any casualty.

"Fire has been contained and the area is being cleared now. There has been no loss of life or injuries," a senior official overseeing security at the Kumbh Mela said.  

The Kumbh Mela will officially start with 'Shahi Snan' on Tuesday, a day after Makara Sankranti or Maghi.

Makara Sankranti is a festival day in the Hindu calendar, in reference to deity Surya. The day marks the first day of sun's transit into the Makara, marking the end of the month with the winter solstice and the start of longer days. According to local authorities, approximately 1 lakh 17 thousand people offered prayers to Akshay Vat, a sacred fig tree mentioned in the Hindu mythology in Prayagraj. 

In the wake of Kumbh Mela, the local police is keeping a strong vigil and monitoring the regions adjoining the banks of river Ganga and its tributaries. They have also restricted vehicular movement in Prayagraj roads due to a large footfall of tourists. Moreover, the administration has taken the help of Non-Government Organisations (NGO's) and citizens in maintaining law and order. 

"As per the order by the Director General of Police (DGP) to all the senior police officials in all the districts, it has been instructed to ensure that any sort of illegal industrial activity or waste should not be discharged into the Ganges and its tributaries including the Yamuna," Praveen Kumar, Inspector General (Law & Order), Uttar-Pradesh Police had stated on January 10.

Kumbh is the largest human congregation in the world, with lakhs of pilgrims participating in the festival with the belief that taking a dip in the holy water of Ganges River will pave the way for their salvation and would rid them of their sins. 

(With ANI inputs)

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