People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri took a worrisome turn on Saturday as some devotees reported feeling suffocated and fell unconscious. The incident occurred due to high humidity, according to State Minister Mukesh Mahaling. The rescue teams sprang into action and rushed the affected devotees to the hospital immediately.
The video footage of the incident shows ambulances racing to the scene, with devotees making way for them to cross. The incident was widely reported on social media, leaving many concerned about the well-being of the devotees involved.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most revered and anticipated festivals in India, with millions of devotees flocking to Puri to catch a glimpse of the deities as they are taken out in elaborately decorated chariots. The festival is a celebration of the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
This year’s Rath Yatra was no exception, with thousands of devotees thronging the streets of Puri to participate in the festivities. However, the high humidity took a toll on some of the devotees, causing them to feel suffocated and eventually collapse.
State Minister Mukesh Mahaling confirmed the incident, stating that “due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately.” He also assured that the devotees were receiving the necessary medical attention and were expected to recover soon.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of devotees during the festival. While the authorities have taken steps to ensure that the devotees are provided with necessary facilities and amenities, the high humidity has posed a significant challenge.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a grueling affair that requires devotees to stand for hours in the scorching sun and humidity. While many devotees take necessary precautions to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration, the high humidity can still pose a risk to their health.
In recent years, there have been several instances of devotees falling ill or getting injured during the Rath Yatra. While most cases have been minor, there have been instances where devotees have required hospitalization.
In 2020, several devotees reported feeling unwell during the Rath Yatra, with many requiring medical attention. The authorities had then attributed the incident to the high humidity and heat, which had taken a toll on the devotees.
The authorities have assured that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees during the festival. They have set up medical camps and provided necessary facilities to ensure that devotees can participate in the festival without any hassle.
Despite the challenge posed by the high humidity, the Jagannath Rath Yatra continues to be one of the most revered and anticipated festivals in India. The festival is a celebration of faith, culture, and tradition, and devotees from across the country and the world flock to Puri to participate in the festivities.
As the festival continues, the authorities will need to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to ensure that devotees are provided with a safe and comfortable environment. The incident on Saturday serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of devotees during the festival.
