Title: People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most revered and iconic Hindu festivals, took a concerning turn in Puri, Odisha, as some devotees reported feeling suffocated and fell unconscious during the procession. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the pilgrims participating in the festival.
According to reports, the incident occurred due to high humidity, which led to a few devotees collapsing. The Odisha State Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, confirmed the incident, stating that one or two devotees fell unconscious and were immediately rushed to the hospital by the rescue teams. The minister’s statement was recorded in a video that has been widely shared on social media platforms.
The video shows ambulances and rescue teams reaching the incident spot, with devotees making way for them to cross. The scene is chaotic, with people trying to get a glimpse of the Rath Yatra procession, while others are being carried away by the rescue teams.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a three-day festival that takes place every year in Puri, Odisha. It is a celebration of the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to their abode in the Shri Mandir temple. The festival attracts millions of devotees from across the world, who come to participate in the procession and pay their respects to the deities.
The festival is a major tourist attraction in Odisha, with the state government making extensive arrangements for the devotees. However, despite the best efforts of the authorities, the incident highlights the challenges of managing such a large-scale event.
The issue of crowd management and safety is a pressing concern for the authorities, who are working to ensure that the festival is conducted smoothly and safely. The incident has raised questions about the preparedness of the authorities to handle emergencies during the festival.
The Odisha government has launched a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees participating in the festival. The plan includes measures such as providing adequate medical facilities, deploying more rescue teams, and ensuring that the procession routes are clear and safe.
Despite the challenges, the Jagannath Rath Yatra continues to be a major attraction for devotees and tourists alike. The festival is a celebration of faith, culture, and tradition, and it is a unique experience that attracts people from all over the world.
In conclusion, while the incident of people suffocating and fainting during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is concerning, it is also a reminder of the importance of crowd management and safety during large-scale events. The authorities are working hard to ensure that the festival is conducted smoothly and safely, and the devotees are responding positively to the measures being taken.
As the festival continues, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of the devotees and to ensure that the incident is not repeated. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a celebration of faith and culture, and it is a unique experience that attracts people from all over the world. It is essential to preserve the sanctity and grandeur of the festival while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the devotees.
