A 28-year-old man in India died on Friday (26 May) after sustaining severe burn injuries during the Alayi Kuni fire-walking ritual in Kyadigehallu village, Kurugodu taluk, Karnataka.
The traditional practice is observed during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar and one of four sacred months in Islam.
Online footage shows the victim, identified as Devaraj, crossing a pit of burning embers and flames while holding a torch in one hand and a tin of oil in the other.
Source: @CuteAaruhi4 on X
He lost his balance and fell into the fire, sustaining critical burn injuries.
According to reports, Devaraj was immediately taken to the Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS) in Ballari on Friday but failed to respond to treatment and passed away the following day (27 May).
Kurugodu police have registered a case in connection with the incident.
Devaraj, who married last year, was working as a warden in a private hostel in Nalap, Mangaluru. He had allegedly visited his hometown to celebrate Muharram with his family, according to the Times of India (TOI).
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Featured image adapted from @CuteAaruhi4 on X.