People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri has always been a grand and joyous occasion, attracting millions of devotees from all over the world. However, this year’s event took a concerning turn when some people reported feeling suffocated and fell unconscious due to the high humidity. The incident was widely reported, with authorities and rescue teams quickly responding to the situation.
According to state Minister Mukesh Mahaling, one or two devotees collapsed due to the high humidity, leading to a sudden need for medical attention. Mahaling stated that the rescue teams acted promptly, rushing the affected individuals to the hospital immediately. A video of the incident has been circulating on social media, showing ambulances arriving at the scene and devotees making way for them to pass through.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a sacred festival celebrated annually in the holy city of Puri, Odisha. The festival is a symbol of the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, who are taken out of their temple in elaborate chariots to the Gundicha Temple, located about 3 kilometers away. The festival is a significant event in the Hindu calendar and attracts millions of devotees from India and abroad.
This year’s Rath Yatra was no exception, with millions of devotees thronging the streets of Puri to catch a glimpse of the deities. However, the high humidity and heat took a toll on some devotees, leading to the reported cases of suffocation and fainting.
The incident has raised concerns about the preparedness of the authorities to handle such situations. While the rescue teams responded quickly, the fact that some devotees felt suffocated and collapsed due to the high humidity raises questions about the measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the environmental impact of the Rath Yatra. The festival attracts a large number of devotees, which can lead to a significant increase in pollution and litter. Additionally, the chariots used to transport the deities are often decorated with elaborate decorations and lights, which can lead to environmental pollution.
Despite these concerns, the Jagannath Rath Yatra remains a significant cultural and spiritual event in India. The festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the country and the devotion of its people. While the incident of devotees suffocating and fainting is a cause for concern, it is also a reminder of the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of all devotees.
In conclusion, the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri is a significant cultural and spiritual event that attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. While the incident of devotees suffocating and fainting due to high humidity is a cause for concern, it is also a reminder of the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of all devotees. As the festival continues to grow in popularity, it is essential that the authorities take steps to ensure that the event is held in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
