Puri: More than 500 devotees sustained injuries during the annual Rath Yatra celebrations in Puri, Odisha, as massive crowds surged forward during the ceremonial pulling of Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot, according to reports from Kalinga TV. The incident took place amid the spiritual fervour and packed streets typical of this centuries-old tradition, where lakhs of devotees gather to witness the grand chariot procession of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
The injuries reportedly occurred due to overcrowding and intense pushing among the sea of pilgrims trying to take part in the pulling of the chariot, one of the most sacred rituals of the festival. Some devotees reportedly collapsed due to high humidity, while others suffered minor injuries in the crowd rush.
Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling acknowledged the situation, stating that one or two devotees fainted due to weather conditions, but emergency response teams acted swiftly and transported them to nearby hospitals. “We have deployed medical personnel and set up primary healthcare centres near the temple,” Mahaling assured, adding that arrangements for drinking water and glucose were also made along the procession route. The minister also visited the hospital to oversee treatment being provided to the injured.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is among the most significant religious festivals in India, marking the symbolic journey of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, approximately 2.5 km away. The deities reside at the Gundicha Temple for a week before making the return journey on Bahuda Yatra.
Given the scale of the event, extensive security and crowd control measures were in place. Nearly 10,000 security personnel, including eight companies from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), were deployed across the city to manage the huge influx of devotees and ensure smooth conduct of the rituals.
Despite the incident, the Rath Yatra continued with devotion and discipline, as lakhs of pilgrims from across India and abroad participated in the spiritual spectacle. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety of all devotees throughout the week-long festivities.
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