People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a sacred Hindu festival, took a dramatic turn in Odisha’s Puri district when some devotees reported feeling suffocated and fell unconscious due to the high humidity. The incident occurred while the procession was underway, leaving many in a state of panic and distress.
According to reports, the incident happened when the three chariots, namely the Nandighosa, Taladhwaja, and Adhisesha, were being pulled through the streets of Puri. The festival, which attracts millions of devotees every year, is a significant event in the Hindu calendar, and devotees from far and wide gather to pay their respects to Lord Jagannath.
State Minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed the incident, stating that due to the high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams sprang into action immediately, rushing the affected devotees to the hospital for medical attention.
A video circulated on social media showed ambulances reaching the incident spot as devotees made way for them to cross. The footage captured the chaos and panic that ensued as the rescue teams worked to evacuate the affected individuals.
The incident raises concerns about the safety and well-being of devotees during the festival. Despite the efforts of the authorities to ensure a smooth and safe procession, the high humidity and dense crowds created a perfect storm that led to the suffocation and fainting episodes.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a centuries-old tradition in Puri, and the festival is steeped in rituals and traditions. The procession is led by the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, who are seated on the three chariots. The festival is a symbol of the eternal bond between the divine and the devotees.
The high humidity during the festival is a common issue, and the authorities have been taking measures to mitigate its effects. However, this year’s incident highlights the need for more effective measures to be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees.
The incident has sparked concerns among the devotees and the authorities alike. “We are taking stock of the situation and will take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future,” said a senior official from the district administration.
The incident has also raised questions about the preparedness of the authorities to handle emergencies during the festival. “We are fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise during the festival. We have a team of medical professionals and rescue teams on standby,” said a spokesperson from the Puri district administration.
Despite the incident, the Jagannath Rath Yatra continued, with thousands of devotees participating in the procession. The festival is expected to conclude with the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple, marking the end of the 15-day festival.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of devotees during the festival. The authorities must take concrete steps to address the concerns and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
