People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, has taken a concerning turn as several devotees reported feeling suffocated and fainted during the procession. The incident occurred due to high humidity, which made the air thick and unbearable for many. According to state Minister Mukesh Mahaling, one or two devotees collapsed, and rescue teams immediately rushed them to the hospital for medical attention.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most revered and historic events in Hinduism, which attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. The festival is a grand celebration of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, the deities of the Puri Jagannath Temple. The yatra, which usually takes place in June or July, is a nine-day long festival that commences with the pulling of the chariots of the three deities from the temple to the Gundicha Temple, which is about two kilometers away.
This year’s yatra, however, has been marred by the unexpected incident of devotees suffocating and fainting. The high humidity in the air was the primary reason behind the distressing scenes. As the devotees crowded the streets to catch a glimpse of the chariots, the air became increasingly thick and difficult to breathe. Many people reported feeling lightheaded, dizzy, and disoriented, leading to a few unfortunate cases of fainting.
The rescue teams, comprising ambulance services and medical professionals, were quickly summoned to the scene. They worked tirelessly to provide medical assistance to the affected devotees, ensuring that they received timely treatment. A video shared on social media showed ambulances racing to the incident spot, as devotees made way for them to cross. The footage also captured the rescue teams assisting the fainting devotees, who were carried to the ambulances on stretchers.
The authorities have since taken measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees participating in the yatra. The Puri district administration has deployed more medical teams and ambulances at strategic locations along the procession route. Additionally, the authorities have advised devotees to take necessary precautions, including staying hydrated and avoiding overcrowding, to prevent any further incidents.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a significant cultural and spiritual event, and the Odisha government has made significant efforts to ensure its smooth conduct. The state government has also implemented various safety measures, including the deployment of security personnel and the provision of medical facilities, to ensure the safety of the devotees.
Despite the challenges posed by the high humidity, the devotees remained undeterred, continuing to participate in the yatra with fervor and devotion. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being and safety of the devotees, even in the midst of festive celebrations.
As the yatra continues, the authorities will be keenly monitoring the situation to prevent any further incidents. The incident is also a wake-up call for the authorities to improve the infrastructure and facilities at the temple and along the procession route to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience for the devotees.
