Karnataka chief minister to nix dangerous fire-walking ritual

Over 70 people were severely injured after they fell on the bed of embers during Mahashivrathri celebrations
Karnataka chief minister to nix dangerous fire-walking ritual
Karnataka chief minister to nix dangerous fire-walking ritual
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Almost a week after a 35-year-old devotee died of severe burns from fire-walking, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a ban on the ritual.

The chief minister announced the ban on Tuesday at the Legislative Assembly, reported Bangalore Mirror.

Every year many devotees across the state take part in this ritual even though it has proven fatal or dangerous to many people. Fire-walking is thought to be a ritual necessary to cleanse one’s soul.

Over 70 people were severely injured after they fell on the bed of embers during Mahashivrathri celebrations at Adi Shakti Mariamma temple in Hetthenahalli village on March 7.

However, hours after the incident the devotees including children continued with the ritual.

This incident had sparked a lot of debate on whether to ban the ritual as there are no precautionary measures taken. 

Last year, a person from Bengaluru suffered injuries after he tried to save a woman devotee who had fallen into the fire.

This is an aggregated report from Bangalore Mirror

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