Temple ritual turns fatal; 56-year-old man dies after falling on burning embers

CHENNAI: A 56-year-old man died after he fell while running through burning embers during a temple festival in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. The man, named Kesavan, was from Valantharavai village. He was taking part in a ritual called 'Theemidhi Thiruvizha' at the Subbayya temple in Kuyavankudi. This ritual, part of the annual festival, started on April 10. It involves devotees walking or running barefoot over a pit filled with hot coals.

Kesavan was one of several people doing the ritual. While running across the embers, he lost his balance and fell face-first onto the burning coals. He tried to get up, but his face landed in the fire. Rescue workers quickly pulled him out, but he had already suffered serious burns. He was taken to the Ramanathapuram District Government Hospital, but doctors could not save him.