People Suffocate & Faint at Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri, Rushed to Hospital
The Jagannath Rath Yatra, a revered Hindu festival, turned into a scene of chaos and concern as some devotees reported feeling suffocated and fell unconscious in Odisha’s Puri. The incident occurred on a hot and humid day, which added to the distress of the affected individuals.
According to reports, the state Minister, Mukesh Mahaling, confirmed that due to the high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed during the procession. The rescue teams sprang into action immediately, rushing the affected individuals to the hospital for medical attention.
A video capturing the scene showed ambulances arriving at the incident spot as devotees made way for them to cross. The footage provided a glimpse into the urgency and chaos that unfolded during the festival.
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated annually in Puri. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a revered deity, and is attended by millions of devotees from across the country. The festival involves a grand procession, where the three deities, Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, are taken out of the Jagannath temple and carried in elaborate chariots (raths) to the nearby Gundicha temple.
This year’s festival was no exception, with millions of devotees thronging the streets of Puri to catch a glimpse of the deities. However, the hot and humid weather took a toll on some of the devotees, leading to the reported incidents of suffocation and fainting.
The incident has raised concerns about the preparedness of the organizers and the authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees during the festival. While the authorities have taken prompt action to rescue the affected individuals, the incident highlights the need for better crowd control measures and provision of adequate facilities for devotees during such events.
In recent years, the Jagannath Rath Yatra has seen several instances of devotees falling ill or getting injured during the festival. In 2020, several devotees were hospitalized due to dehydration and heatstroke. In 2019, a devotee died after falling from a chariot, while another devotee was injured in a stampede.
The incident has also sparked concerns about the impact of climate change on the festival. Rising temperatures and humidity levels have become a regular feature in recent years, making it essential for the organizers and authorities to take measures to mitigate the effects of climate change on the festival.
The Odisha government and the authorities have been taking steps to improve the facilities and infrastructure for the festival, including the provision of water and shade for devotees. However, more needs to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of the devotees during the festival.
In conclusion, while the Jagannath Rath Yatra is a revered festival that brings joy and devotion to millions of people, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of the devotees during the festival. The incident highlights the need for better preparedness, crowd control measures, and provision of adequate facilities for devotees. As the festival attracts millions of devotees every year, it is crucial to take concrete steps to ensure that the event is celebrated safely and without any major incidents.
