Towering chariots, falling safety

The collapse of a 100 feet-tall chariot during the historic Huskur Madduramma fair near Rayasandra in Bangalore Rural district, which claimed the lives of a 27-year-old man and a teenage girl, is a reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked competitive fervour and inadequate regulation. A second towering chariot which was also participating in the fair toppled a short distance away, but fortunately, it did not result in casualties. Ironically, the incident occurred for the second year in a row, with previous lessons clearly overlooked.

With a tradition spanning over a century, the fair attracts thousands of devotees, including from neighbouring Tamil Nadu. However, when tradition collides with neglect, disaster becomes inevitable. Since 2021, a growing competition among the villagers to construct the tallest chariot has overtaken the essence of the festival. This year, despite the district administration’s directive to cap the height at 80 feet, one of the toppled structures stood at over 100 feet. The villages argue that the order came too late, after construction had already begun. However, this alone cannot justify the disregard for safety protocols. These incidents are not isolated and are common at temple fairs not only in Karnataka but in other parts of the country too. The fact that a similar incident had occurred last year should have prompted the authorities to enforce stricter checks. That officers took no precautions is deeply troubling. Police have cited poor weather conditions – rain and wind – as contributing factors. However, natural elements solely cannot bear the blame. The root of the problem lies in ignoring basic engineering principles. Chariot construction, especially at such dizzying heights, demands a solid understanding of physics. A higher centre of gravity makes a tall structure inherently unstable. Torque created while turning or moving adds further stress. Weak structural components – wheels, axles, frames – combined with poor surface conditions and exposure to wind, create a recipe for collapse.

The government must move beyond merely setting height restrictions. There is a dire need for technical guidelines that address structural integrity, balance, wind resistance and ground conditions. Each chariot should be inspected and issued a fitness certificate by engineers. Accountability should also be fixed on officers who fail to enforce these norms. Religious fervour should never come at the cost of human life and safety. As communities cherish tradition, they must also embrace safety. Let this tragedy be the turning point, not only for the Huskur Madduramma fair, but for all such festivals across the country. Ultimately, festivals should be a celebration of heritage, faith and community, rather than a risk to human life.