More than 45 children were admitted to hospital after allegedly suffering food poisoning following a religious feast organised in Madhapar near Bhuj in Gujarat’s Kutch district, officials said.
The incident took place in the Aishwarya Nagar area, where a religious programme was held to mark the conclusion of the Adhik Maas observance.
As part of the event, a community meal was organised for children, with over 50 youngsters from the locality participating and consuming prasad.
Soon after the meal, several children began experiencing symptoms such as stomach pain, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea, causing concern among parents and event organisers.
The affected children were rushed to the Government G K General Hospital in Bhuj in ambulances and private vehicles for immediate medical treatment.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the buttermilk served during the feast may have been the source of the illness. Officials said a large quantity of curd used to prepare the buttermilk had reportedly been procured from outside.
Authorities suspect that the curd may have spoiled due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humid weather conditions or may have been stale before it was used.
Hospital officials said a dedicated team of paediatric specialists was deployed to manage the situation and provide emergency treatment to the children.
Doctors confirmed that all the affected children are currently stable and out of danger, thanks to timely medical intervention.
Health authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Samples of the food served at the event are expected to be tested to determine the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning.