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 Jalandhar, a doctor said on Monday.

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 Maa Maariamma Mela event on Sunday.

Bystanders rushed to the rescue and took Kartik to hospital after other family members refused to accompany him, saying they had faith in God.

"The boy was admitted Sunday night in the emergency ward. He has burn injuries on his limbs and on one side of his trunk," news reports quoted a doctor as saying.

Around 600 devotees had gathered in Jalandhar for a festival in honour of goddess Maa Maariamma.

Devotees must fast for seven days before walking on the burning coals in the ancient practice aimed at appeasing the deity.



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