
People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a sacred and revered Hindu festival in Odisha, has taken a dramatic turn as several devotees fainted or felt suffocated during the procession. The incident occurred in Puri, a city considered sacred by Hindus, where thousands of devotees had gathered to catch a glimpse of the revered Lord Jagannath.
According to reports, the incident occurred due to high humidity, which caused some devotees to feel overwhelmed and pass out. State Minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed the incident, stating that “one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately.”
A video circulating on social media showed ambulances rushing to the scene, with devotees making way for them to cross. The video gave a glimpse into the chaos that ensued as emergency responders worked to stabilize the affected individuals and transport them to the hospital.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a centuries-old festival that is celebrated every year in Puri, Odisha. The festival sees the idol of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Lord Balaram and Goddess Subhadra, being taken out in a grand procession to the Gundicha Temple. The festival is considered one of the most important and sacred in Hinduism, with millions of devotees from across the world flocking to Puri to participate in the celebrations.
This year’s festival has been marred by the unfortunate incident, which has left many concerned about the safety and well-being of the devotees. The festival organizers and local authorities have been working to ensure that the devotees are safe and secure during the celebrations.
The incident has also raised questions about the preparedness of the authorities to handle emergencies during large-scale events like the Jagannath Rath Yatra. While the authorities have been praised for their swift response to the incident, there are concerns that more needs to be done to prevent such incidents in the future.
In recent years, there have been several instances of devotees falling ill or getting injured during the Jagannath Rath Yatra. While most of these incidents have been minor, there have been some serious cases where devotees have required hospitalization.
The Odisha government has been working to improve the infrastructure and facilities in Puri to ensure that devotees have a safe and comfortable experience during the festival. The government has also been working to improve the facilities at the hospitals and medical centers in Puri to ensure that they are equipped to handle emergencies during the festival.
Despite the incident, the Jagannath Rath Yatra continues to be a source of inspiration and devotion for millions of people around the world. The festival is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
As the festival comes to a close, devotees are left to reflect on the importance of prioritizing their health and well-being during the celebrations. The incident serves as a reminder that even in the midst of great joy and celebration, it is essential to remain mindful of our own well-being and the needs of those around us.