People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a much-awaited event in Odisha’s Puri, was marred by a shocking incident on Friday. Amidst the fervor and devotion of the devotees, some people reported feeling suffocated and fell unconscious, prompting an immediate response from rescue teams to rush them to the hospital.
The incident occurred during the third day of the yatra, which is a significant festival in Hinduism, with millions of devotees thronging the streets of Puri to catch a glimpse of the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The festival is a celebration of the journey of the three deities from the temple to the Gundicha Temple, a distance of about 3 kilometers.
According to reports, the incident occurred due to high humidity, which led to a slight delay in the yatra. The heat and humidity took a toll on some devotees, causing them to feel suffocated and eventually fall unconscious. The state Minister of Tourism and Culture, Mukesh Mahaling, confirmed the incident, stating that “one or two devotees collapsed” and were immediately rushed to the hospital.
A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows ambulances reaching the spot as devotees make way for them to cross. The scene is chaotic, with people trying to get a glimpse of the deities while the rescue teams attend to the affected devotees.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a 14th-century tradition that has been going strong for over 700 years. The festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, and its significance extends far beyond the state’s borders. The yatra is attended by millions of devotees from all over the world, who come to pay homage to the Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings.
While the incident was a cause for concern, it did not dampen the spirits of the devotees. The festival continued uninterrupted, with the deities being pulled in their chariots (raths) through the streets of Puri. The devotees, despite the incident, remained undeterred, with many expressing their gratitude to the rescue teams for their prompt response.
The Odisha government has been taking measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees during the festival. The authorities have deployed a large number of police personnel and medical teams to provide assistance to the devotees. The state government has also set up several medical camps along the yatra route to provide medical assistance to anyone who may need it.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Odisha, and its significance extends far beyond the state’s borders. The festival is a celebration of devotion, faith, and community, and it is heartening to see millions of people come together to pay homage to the Lord Jagannath.
In conclusion, while the incident of people suffocating and fainting during the Jagannath Rath Yatra was a cause for concern, it did not dampen the spirits of the devotees. The festival continued uninterrupted, with the devotees remaining undeterred and grateful for the prompt response of the rescue teams. The Odisha government’s efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees are commendable, and the festival is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the state.
