People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the most revered festivals in Hindu calendar, has been marred by a medical emergency in Puri, Odisha. Reports have emerged of several devotees feeling suffocated and fainting during the procession, with some being rushed to the hospital for treatment.
According to state Minister Mukesh Mahaling, the incident occurred due to high humidity, which led to one or two devotees collapsing. “Due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately,” Mahaling said.
A video that has gone viral on social media shows ambulances reaching the incident spot as devotees made way for them to cross. The clip captures the chaos and commotion that ensued as people rushed to help those who had fallen ill.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a three-day festival that is celebrated every year in Puri, Odisha, to commemorate the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The festival attracts millions of devotees from across the world, making it one of the largest and most iconic events in Hinduism.
Despite the medical emergency, the festival went ahead as planned, with the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra making their way to the Gundicha Temple. The event is a spectacular display of cultural and spiritual heritage, with devotees from all walks of life participating in the procession.
However, the incident has raised concerns about the health and safety of devotees who participate in the festival. While the high humidity was cited as the cause of the medical emergency, it is also possible that other factors such as overcrowding, heat exhaustion, and pre-existing medical conditions may have contributed to the incidents.
In recent years, there have been several reported cases of devotees falling ill or getting injured during the Jagannath Rath Yatra. In 2019, several people were rushed to the hospital after falling ill during the festival. In 2018, a devotee died after collapsing during the procession.
Despite these incidents, the Jagannath Rath Yatra remains one of the most popular and revered festivals in India. The festival is a testament to the cultural and spiritual heritage of India, and its significance is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition.
As the festival comes to a close, one can only hope that the authorities take necessary measures to improve the health and safety of devotees who participate in the event. The incident is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of devotees and ensuring that they are protected from any potential harm during the festival.
In conclusion, while the incident during the Jagannath Rath Yatra is a cause for concern, it is also a reminder of the importance of the festival and the cultural and spiritual significance it holds for millions of devotees across the world. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize the health and safety of devotees and take necessary measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
