NEW DELHI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people died and over 40 others were hospitalized due to heatstroke after attending a government-sponsored award function in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, officials said Monday.

The ceremony was held on Sunday at an open ground in the Navi Mumbai area.

The award event which lasted for five hours in the blazing sun was attended by thousands of people who had gathered at the venue.

"After the event, people complained of dehydration and other heat-related ailments," a local government official said. "Unfortunately, 11 people died and 44 others were hospitalized."

Doctors said the patients had primarily suffered from sunstroke, dehydration, and other heat-related ailments.

Locals said event organizers had only covered dais meant for VIPs and not made any arrangements for a makeshift shelter or roof covering to protect other attendees from direct sunlight.

Navi Mumbai is a city located close to India's financial hub and capital of Maharashtra -- Mumbai. The city is part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

On Sunday, the area recorded a maximum temperature of 38 degrees Celsius.

Reports said in the wake of excessive heat, health experts had advised people to avoid direct sun, especially during peak hours.

Earlier this month, India Meteorological Department said most parts of India are expected to experience above-normal maximum temperatures from April to June.

This year India has recorded its hottest February since 1901.