At least 14 devotees and priests were injured in a fire that broke out during the Holi celebrations at the Mahakal temple in Ujjain. The incident occurred when devotees showered gulal, a colored powder, during bhasm aarti. The victims were immediately taken to the hospital, and Ujjain collector Neeraj Kumar Singh confirmed that they are all in stable condition. This was the first such accident in the garbha griha of the temple. Singh sought the help of a forensic fire expert from Mumbai to prevent similar incidents in the future. The fire started when the colors showered during the ritual fell on the aarti plate, causing the flames. Despite the injuries, the rituals continued. Colours showered during the ritual fell on the aarti plate, starting the fire, temple sewak Sonu told TOI. Around 50 people were in garbha griha at that time, he added. The fire destroyed the flex coverings erected to protect the walls of the sanctum sanctorum. The temple management has now restored a ban on gulal from outside for the upcoming Rang Panchami festival. Instead, they will use herbal colors made from palash flowers. An investigation into the fire has been initiated, and statements from the victims are being recorded. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav visited Ujjain to meet the victims and announced compensation of Rs 1 lakh for each of them. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his concern and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.