People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a revered festival in Hindu mythology, turned into a distressing scene in Odisha’s Puri as several devotees reported feeling suffocated and fell unconscious during the celebrations. The incident occurred on a sweltering summer day, amidst high humidity, which seems to have taken a toll on the health of the devotees.
According to reports, several people were rushed to the hospital after they felt overwhelmed by the scorching heat and humidity. Odisha’s State Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, confirmed the incident, stating that “due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately.”
A video shared on social media platforms shows ambulances speeding towards the incident spot, as devotees make way for them to cross. The footage is a stark reminder of the urgency with which the situation unfolded.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a significant event in Hindu mythology, where the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in grand procession on three elaborate chariots. The festival attracts millions of devotees from across the country and abroad, who flock to Puri to participate in the celebrations.
However, this year’s festival seems to have been marred by the unexpected turn of events. The high humidity and scorching heat, which is common during the summer months in Odisha, appeared to have taken a toll on the health of the devotees. As the day wore on, several people began to feel overwhelmed, leading to a series of fainting spells and suffocation cases.
The authorities, however, sprang into action, deploying rescue teams to the scene to provide medical assistance to the affected devotees. The hospital staff worked tirelessly to provide emergency care to the patients, who were rushed to the medical facilities in a critical condition.
While the exact number of people affected by the incident is not clear, reports suggest that several dozen devotees were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The authorities have assured that the situation is under control and that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees.
The incident has raised concerns about the preparedness of the authorities to handle such situations in the future. While the high humidity and scorching heat are common during the summer months, it is essential for the authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of the devotees.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a significant event in the cultural calendar of India, and it is essential for the authorities to take necessary precautions to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a safe and healthy environment. The incident serves as a wake-up call for the authorities to review their preparedness and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
In conclusion, the incident at the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of the devotees during such events. While the authorities have assured that the situation is under control, it is essential for them to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
