Haryana: Fire at Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra in Kurukshetra; no casualty

A fire broke out in the basement of the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra in Kurukshetra, India, but was brought under control with no reported casualties.

A fire broke out in a section of the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra located in Jyotisar here on Sunday, officials said, adding that no casualties were reported in the incident, which had been brought under control.

The fire erupted in the basement of the B-Block, where nearly 100 batteries connected to solar energy panels had been stored, Upender Singhal, honorary Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board, said.

After receiving information about the incident, five fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

Senior In-Charge at the centre, Rajesh Bhandari, said that mostly the electric system got burnt, causing heavy smoke and a fire in the centre.

Soon after the batteries caught fire, the flames spread rapidly and engulfed nearby material. Luckily, the fire did not spread to the upper main portion of the centre, he said.

Eyewitnesses said thick smoke was first seen rising from the basement, following which the blaze intensified within minutes.

More than 100 batteries kept in the basement were completely gutted in the fire. The three air-conditioners installed there were also destroyed.

As the batteries continued to catch fire, repeated explosion-like sounds were heard from the basement, causing panic among nearby residents and visitors.

Officials said the extent of the damage was being assessed and a detailed inquiry would be conducted into the incident.

The Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra is an immersive experiential centre in Kurukshetra where installations depict significant episodes from the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, highlighting their enduring cultural and spiritual significance.

The centre, developed for Rs 206 crore, features modern digital technology, light-and-sound presentations and exhibits related to the Mahabharata era.

In November 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Panchjanya', constructed in honour of the sacred conch of Lord Krishna.

In February 2024, during an event in Rewari, Modi virtually inaugurated the experiential museum 'Anubhav Kendra' here.