People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The sacred Jagannath Rath Yatra, a revered Hindu festival, was marred by a distressing incident in Odisha’s Puri, where several devotees reportedly felt suffocated and collapsed, prompting an immediate response from rescue teams. According to state Minister Mukesh Mahaling, the high humidity on the day of the festival led to the unfortunate incident.
The annual Rath Yatra, celebrated in honor of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra, is a significant event in Hinduism, attracting millions of devotees from across the country. This year’s festival, held on July 1, was no exception, with throngs of devotees flocking to the Jagannath Temple in Puri to participate in the grand procession.
However, as the day wore on, a sense of alarm was palpable as reports emerged of devotees feeling overwhelmed by the scorching heat and humidity. “Due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately,” Minister Mahaling revealed.
A video of the distressing incident, which has since gone viral, shows ambulances racing to the scene as devotees hastily make way for them to pass through. The footage is a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation and the need for prompt medical intervention.
The incident has raised concerns about crowd control and the provision of basic facilities for devotees during such large-scale events. “The authorities must ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future,” said a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous.
While the exact number of devotees affected is not known, officials have confirmed that several people were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, and the situation appears to have been brought under control.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a 14th-century festival, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. The festival, which is celebrated over nine days, is marked by the procession of three grand chariots, each carrying a deity, through the streets of Puri. The event is a significant draw for tourists and pilgrims alike, with millions of devotees participating each year.
Despite the incident, the festival continued, with devotees from far and wide flocking to the temple to pay their respects to the deities. The incident, while distressing, has not dampened the spirits of the devotees, who remain committed to the sacred ritual.
In the aftermath of the incident, authorities have pledged to enhance crowd management and ensure that adequate medical facilities are available for devotees during future festivals. “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees during the Rath Yatra,” said a temple official.
As the festival draws to a close, devotees have been left shaken by the incident, but their devotion to the deities remains unwavering. The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a symbol of faith and devotion, will continue to be celebrated, with authorities working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all those who participate.
