A fire ripped through tents at a bathing festival in India that was attended by millions of worshippers.

Dramatic footage shows the blaze, with plumes of smoke rising as attendees watched helplessly in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, January 19.

Authorities said the flames broke out in Sector 19 of Mahakumbh Tent City at 4:30 pm. Reports suggest an explosion of cooking cylinders caused the fire.

Around 18 temporary tents were said to have been burned down during the incident. No injuries were reported.

The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years, began last Monday. It is regarded as the largest human gathering on Earth, celebrating India's cultural and spiritual traditions.

This year, at least 450 million devotees are expected to participate in the holy dip during the 45-day event.