Bhubaneswar, June 30 -- A major mishap was averted after a fire broke out on a jatra stage during a Ramayana performance at Lanjia village on the outskirts of Berhampur in Odisha's Ganjam district. The incident occurred at around early hours of Tuesday around 03:00 AM, forcing artists and spectators to rush to safety.

According to initial information, two jatra troupes were staging scenes from the Ramayana when the incident took place. The fire reportedly started after fireworks being used during the performance went out of control.

Officials said a firecracker, allegedly set off by the Baula Jholi Ramayana troupe as part of the performance, accidentally fell onto a pile of fireworks stored beneath the stage. The stored firecrackers cau...