Jejuri, India - December 23, 2025 Maharashtra A victory celebration for the municipal council elections in Jejuri, Pune district, Maharashtra, turned into chaos when a fire broke out. The incident occurred during a victory procession at the famous Khandoba temple complex in Jejuri, when the yellow powder (gulal) being thrown caught fire. Sixteen people, including two newly elected councilors, were seriously injured in the accident. Following the results of the municipal council elections, a grand celebration was underway in Jejuri. According to tradition, yellow gulal, known as 'Bhandara,' was being thrown in the Khandoba temple complex. Suddenly, flames erupted, transforming the joyous atmosphere into one of fear and panic. It is suspected that the fire was caused by contact with a flammable substance or firecrackers amidst the crowd. Locals believe that some kind of chemical or powder was mixed with the gulal, which intensified the fire. A total of 16 people were injured in the incident. The injured include newly elected councilors from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). All the injured were initially taken to a nearby primary health center, and those with serious injuries were referred to Sassoon Hospital in Pune and other private hospitals.