Maha Shivratri: Amid diya mishap concerns, another woman sustains burn injuries at Keonjhar temple

A woman sustained burn injuries after catching fire while lighting a diya at a temple in Odisha’s Keonjhar district on Sunday.

The incident occurred at the Bateshwar Mahadev Temple at Bancho under Anandapur police station limits. According to reports, the woman was lighting a lamp when the flame accidentally spread, leaving her injured.

She was immediately shifted to the Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment. She was undergoing treatment at the time of reporting.

Experts on Safety Concerns 

The recent incident in which a woman sustained burn injuries while lighting a diya has once again highlighted the risks associated with open flames in crowded temple premises. 

Earlier, a woman in Bhubaneswar suffered 50 per cent burn injuries after her saree caught fire from a lamp stand inside a temple in the Satya Vihar area. She was rescued by priests and fellow devotees and admitted to hospital, prompting renewed calls for caution.

Experts have advised devotees to light diyas only at designated spots and to maintain a safe distance from flames. Special care has been urged for women wearing sarees or loose garments. 

Diyas should be placed away from flammable materials such as cloth and wood and should not be moved while lit. Authorities and temple committees have also been advised to keep water, sand or fire extinguishers readily available to prevent mishaps.

Also Read: Maha Shivratri: Diya mishaps raise safety concerns in Bhubaneswar temples

As Shivratri brings together devotees in faith and celebration, adherence to basic safety measures can help ensure that the sacred vigil remains an occasion of devotion.