The boy who fell on the bruning embers was rescued by bystanders and taken to the hospital. (AFP photo)
Highlights
- Father was walking barefoot on hot coals when he lost balance
- Family refused to accompany boy to hospital saying have faith in God
- Bystanders took boy to hospital in Punjab's Jalandhar
A six-year-old boy was rushed to hospital with serious burn injuries after his father dropped him on hot coals during a ritual in Punjab's Jalandhar on Sunday.
The father was walking barefoot with his son Kartik in his arms on the red-hot embers when he lost his balance and fell during the ritual on Sunday, witnesses said.
Bystanders rushed to the rescue and took Kartik to hospital after other family members refused to accompany him, saying they had faith in God to heal him.
The six-year-old boy suffered 20-25 per cent burns doctors said. (AFP photo)
"The boy was admitted last (Sunday) night in the emergency ward. He has burn injuries on his limbs and on one side of his trunk," doctor Jangpreet Singh told AFP.
"The father has also sustained about 15 per cent burns. I think it will take at least five to seven days for their wounds to heal."
In one of the pictures Kartik, wearing marigold garlands and a white vest, can be seen screaming in pain as those around him try to pull him out.
Around 600 devotees had gathered in in Jalandhar's Kazi Mandi for a festival in honour of the goddess Maa Maariamma.
Around 600 people had gathered for the ritual in Jalandhar's Kazi Mandi. (AFP photo)
Devotees must fast for seven days before walking on the burning coals in the ancient Hindu practice aimed at appeasing the deity.
Three years ago a mother carrying her daughter slipped and fell on the hot surface, also during the Jalandhar ritual.
The local BJP legislator Manoranjan Kalia, who met the injured father-son duo at the hospital said, "I have provided them a financial assistance of Rs 10,000 and sent them to Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS)."