The father was walking barefoot with his son Kartik in his arms on the red-hot embers when he lost his balance and fell during the ritual.
Around 600 devotees had gathered for a festival to worship goddess Maa Maariamma. Devotees must fast for seven days before walking on the burning coals in the ancient Hindu practice aimed at appeasing the deity. Three years ago, a mother carrying her daughter slipped and fell on the hot coals during the same ritual.