Seven-year-old boy severely burned during fire-walk ritual at temple in southern India
by Aditi VermaA seven-year-old boy suffered severe burn injuries after falling onto burning coals during a fire-walk ritual at a temple in southern India’s Tamil Nadu.
The incident took place at the Mariamman temple in Kattukollaimedu village, near Arambakkam in the Thiruvallur district on August 11.
Visuals showed the devotees both young and old crossed the pit one after the other, but as seven year-old Monish’s turn approached, he hesitated to move forward. Monish, the son of Manikandan of the same village, was persuaded by others around him to resume the fire-walk. A uniformed police constable convinced him to enter the pit. As the boy still appeared undecided, the man behind him caught hold of his hand and walked into the pit with him. The boy, however, lost balance and fell on the embers. Though the man quickly pulled him out, he sustained severe burns a
On Sunday night, the annual temple festival at Mariamman temple in Kattukollaimedu village turned tragic when Monish, a seven-year-old boy, fell onto a pit of burning charcoal while participating in a traditional fire-walk ritual. The ritual, observed by around 100 devotees who had fasted in preparation, involves walking across a bed of hot coals as part of a religious vow.
As Monish approached his turn, he hesitated, prompting encouragement from those around him, including a police constable who was captured on video attempting to persuade the boy. Despite the efforts to coax him, Monish lost his balance and fell into the burning coals. Quick action from those nearby managed to pull him out, but not before he sustained severe burns. He was immediately transported to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, where he is now in the intensive care unit with 50 percent burns.
The Arambakkam Police have registered a case in connection with the incident. This tragic event echoes a similar incident in July 2023, where a 14-month-old girl was severely burned during a similar ritual.