
People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a revered Hindu festival, was marred by a series of unfortunate incidents in Odisha’s Puri, with several devotees reported to have suffocated and fainted due to high humidity. The incident occurred on [Date] as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
According to reports, several devotees felt overwhelmed by the sweltering heat and humidity, leading to a few of them collapsing to the ground. The authorities were quick to respond to the situation, with rescue teams rushing to the spot to provide medical assistance. “Due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately,” said Odisha State Minister Mukesh Mahaling.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows ambulances arriving at the scene as devotees make way for them to cross. The video also captures the chaos and commotion as paramedics and rescue teams rush to attend to the affected devotees.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a significant festival in Hinduism, celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. The festival is known for its grandeur and spectacle, with thousands of devotees gathering to witness the procession of the three deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The deities are taken out of the Jagannath Temple in a grand procession, accompanied by thousands of devotees, who chant hymns and sing devotional songs.
However, the high humidity and scorching heat of the summer season took a toll on the devotees, leading to the unfortunate incidents. The authorities have been advised to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees in the future.
The incident has raised concerns about the preparedness of the authorities to handle large-scale gatherings during hot summer months. The high humidity and heat are known to pose health risks, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a significant festival, attracting devotees from all over the world. The festival is a symbol of faith and devotion, and it is unfortunate that the incidents have marred its celebration. The authorities must take necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
In conclusion, while the Jagannath Rath Yatra is a significant festival in Hinduism, it is equally important to prioritize the safety and well-being of the devotees. The authorities must take necessary measures to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a safe and healthy environment.
Source: https://x.com/ani/status/1938637056110182791
Note: The article has been written based on the information provided in the news article and does not reflect the personal opinions or views of the writer.