Pune: ASI-Protected Karla Caves Site Turns Chaotic as Bees Attack Devotees
Lonavala, 2nd January 2025: An incident of bees attacking devotees occurred near the Karla Caves, a protected Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) site near Lonavala in Pune district. Many people, including children, were injured after being stung by large bees. The caves, carved into high cliffs, are home to large beehives, and bursting firecrackers is strictly prohibited in the area.
On 1st January, New Year’s Day, devotees gathered in large numbers to pay respects to the goddess Ekvira. Despite the prohibition, some over-enthusiastic youth set off firecrackers, disturbing the bees from the large hives, which then scattered and attacked the crowd. Men, women, and small children were stung, causing panic and forcing many to flee the area. A video of the incident has since gone viral.
Ekvira Devi is the ancestral deity of the Agri Koli community, attracting devotees from Mumbai, Pune District, and other parts of Maharashtra in large numbers. The bee attack occurred amidst the New Year rush, as pilgrimage sites across the country saw an influx of visitors.
