People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, a sacred Hindu festival, took a dramatic turn in Odisha’s Puri on Sunday as several devotees reportedly felt suffocated and fainted due to high humidity. The incident led to a mass rush to the hospital, with rescue teams quickly responding to the situation.
According to state Minister Mukesh Mahaling, one or two devotees collapsed due to the humid conditions, necessitating immediate medical attention. “Due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately,” Mahaling said in a statement.
A video clip circulating online showed ambulances racing to the incident spot, with devotees making way for them to cross. The clip, which has garnered widespread attention, highlights the urgent situation and the prompt response of the rescue teams.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Car Festival, is a significant event in Hinduism, celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. The festival marks the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to their abode after a grand procession through the streets. Thousands of devotees flock to Puri to witness the spectacle, which has been in existence since the 12th century.
The recent incident raises concerns about the safety and well-being of devotees attending the festival. While the high humidity was cited as the primary cause of the suffocations and fainting spells, it remains unclear whether the incident was an isolated case or a result of other factors.
In recent years, the Jagannath Rath Yatra has faced its share of challenges, including security concerns and logistical issues. However, the administration has taken several measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival, including deploying additional police personnel and setting up medical camps along the procession route.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and health of devotees during such large-scale events. In the aftermath of the incident, the state government has assured that it will take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
In a statement, the Puri District Collector, Niranjan Sahu, said, “We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of devotees during the festival. We will also conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident to identify the root cause and take corrective action.”
As the investigation into the incident continues, the focus is on ensuring that the remaining days of the festival pass off peacefully. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in ensuring the safety of devotees, particularly during large-scale events.
In the meantime, the people of Puri and the state of Odisha are praying for the swift recovery of those affected by the incident. The incident has also highlighted the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of devotees, and the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the smooth conduct of the festival.
