A woman was killed and at least 17 people were injured when a makeshift stage at a religious event suddenly collapsed.

Tina Prakash, 45, had been attending a Hindu ceremony inside the Kalkaji Mandir temple in Delhi, India, around midnight on Saturday, January 27.

According to police, around 1,500-1,700 people were present at the unauthorised gathering.

Popular singer B Praak was reportedly singing at the event, which caused hundreds of people to crowd around the central stage for a closer look.

However, the stage could not withstand the overwhelming weight.

Shocking footage shows the moment BPraak and other dignitaries sat on the central stage when the adjacent makeshift stage standing at about two dozen feet tall suddenly collapsed.

At least 17 people were reportedly injured in the incident.

But victim Prakash suffered injuries so severe she was declared dead upon arrival after she was rushed to hospital.

She leaves behind a husband, who sells vegetables, and three sons, Indian media reported.

The other victims were reportedly admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre, Safdarjung Hospital, and MAXHospital.

Southeast Delhi DCP Rajesh Deo told local media that the elevated platform was made with wood and iron frame for the seating arrangements of families of organisers and VIPs.

Deo added that the event has been held at the temple annually for the past 26 years.

However, the organisers allegedly increased the scale of the event without getting the required permission.

Police said a case of 'causing death by negligence' is being registered against the organisers.