Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra Stampede-Like Situation: One Dead, Over 200 Devotees Hospitalised

The devotional way of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha, meant to be the sacred journey has met with a stampede-like situation. Lakhs of devotees gathered for the rath yatra at Grand Road (Bada Banda). The crowd so much that it turned congestion and caused panic among pilgrim. More than 200 devotees have been admitted causing difficult of breathing. Many were rescued by the emergency response team. One person has been confirmed to death.

Crowd Congestion Triggers Panic

Reportedly the incident took place around 500 metres from the outer security cordon during the Pahandi ritual. As soon the crowd became difficult to manage, the movement of Grand Road came to one place which turned into a panic.

VIDEO | Puri: Several devotees faint during Jagannath Rath Yatra.

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Special Rescue Unit (SRU) and Emergency team personnel immediately reached the sport and cleared the way for pilgrims. The temporary first aid camp provided first aid to the injured devotees, while who needed more treatment were taken to Puri Medical and nearby hospitals.

Authorities Increase Safety Measures

As soon the situation turn into stampede like, the Puri authority controlled the crowd management to the route. Security forces, volunteers, and rescue team have been deployed to control the crowd and show them the way.

Now the authority has allowed the passengers to move smoother of devotees and make sure the emergency vehicles can reach to affected areas. The heavy security arrangements have been done to continue the festival.

Similar Incident Reported Last Year

The latest incident came after a year of tragic stampede happened during 2025 Rath Yatra near the Shri Gundicha Temple. Last time at least three people died and around 50 devotees were injured. That incident took place when trucks carrying ritual materials entered in the packed area.

Lakhs Gather for the Sacred Rath Yatra

Despite that incident, the world-famous sacred route and Rath Yatra began with full of its traditions and the celebration mode. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were ceremonially take out of 12th-century temple and placed their grand chariots for the annual Rath Yatra to Gundicha Temple.

As soon the lords come out of the temple, lakhs of devotees filled the Grand Road, chanting "Jai Jagannath" and celebration of the India's biggest festival begins.