People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a sacred Hindu festival, turned into a scene of chaos and concern when some devotees fell unconscious due to suffocation and humidity. The incident occurred in Puri, Odisha, where thousands of devotees had gathered to participate in the festivities. According to reports, the authorities had to rush the affected individuals to the hospital for medical attention.
According to Odisha State Minister Mukesh Mahaling, “Due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately.” Mahaling’s statement was corroborated by a video that surfaced on social media, which showed ambulances reaching the incident spot as devotees made way for them to cross.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a highly revered festival in Hinduism, celebrated every year in Puri, Odisha. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, the three main deities of the Puri Temple. The festival is marked by the ceremonial procession of the three deities, accompanied by thousands of devotees, who worship and pay their respects as the chariots move through the city.
However, this year’s festival took a worrisome turn when some devotees reported feeling suffocated and fell unconscious. The exact number of affected individuals is not known, but the incident has left many concerned about the safety and well-being of the devotees.
The incident has sparked concerns about the preparedness of the authorities to handle large crowds and sudden emergencies. The high humidity in the region, which is not uncommon during this time of the year, may have contributed to the issue. However, the authorities must ensure that adequate measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a significant tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the world. However, the incident has raised questions about the safety and security of the devotees. The authorities must take immediate action to address the concerns and ensure that the festival is conducted in a safe and secure manner.
The incident has also raised concerns about the preparedness of the medical facilities in the region. While the authorities rushed the affected individuals to the hospital, there are concerns about the availability of medical resources and the ability of the hospitals to handle emergencies of this nature.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of Hindus around the world. However, the incident has highlighted the need for the authorities to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees. The authorities must work together with the medical professionals and other stakeholders to ensure that the festival is conducted in a safe and secure manner.
In conclusion, the incident at the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, is a cause for concern and a wake-up call for the authorities. The authorities must take immediate action to address the concerns and ensure that the festival is conducted in a safe and secure manner. The medical facilities in the region must also be strengthened to handle emergencies of this nature.
News Source:
https://x.com/ani/status/1938637056110182791
