Berhampur: A potentially disastrous fire broke out on a temporary stage during Ramayana performance at Lanjia village, on the outskirts of Berhampur, early Tuesday morning, triggering panic among performers and spectators before being quickly brought under control.
No injuries or casualties were reported.
According to sources, the incident occurred around 3 am during a rural jatra competition featuring two rival troupes performing scenes from the Ramayana simultaneously on separate stages. Baula Jholi troupe from one village was staging its act when fireworks used as part of the dramatic sequence went awry. A firecracker reportedly fell onto a pile of stored fireworks beneath the stage, igniting them rapidly and causing flames to spread to the stage structure.
Organisers, local residents, and artists acted promptly to douse the flames. Fire tenders from Berhampur Fire Station soon arrived and fully extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby areas.
Sources added that since the organisers allegedly lacked permission for the fireworks display, authorities may investigate whether safety protocols were breached and decide whether to pursue legal action.
