Fire Damages 11-Foot Ganesh Idol at Ujjain Pandal; No Deaths

A fire erupted at the Ganesh pandal of Shri Samrat Navyuvak Mitra Mandal in Sant Ram Sindhi Colony, Ujjain, on Wednesday evening, destroying most of the structure and damaging the nearly 11-foot Ganesh idol. Police and two fire engines responded after residents spotted smoke and raised an alarm.

Firefighters, assisted by residents, brought the blaze under control. The pandal was themed around Mata Vaishno Devi and also housed an idol of Ashok Sundari. Decorative materials and other items were destroyed. A short circuit is suspected as the cause. Electricity department workers began repairs to damaged power lines and equipment.

Police said the exact cause would be determined after a thorough inspection. Following the incident, the pandal committee immersed the damaged Ganesh idol in accordance with religious tradition. The mandal had been conducting Ganesh worship at the location for approximately 25 years.