The grand festival of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra in Puri, Odisha, witnessed over 600 devotees overwhelmed by injuries and health issues, necessitating hospital admission. The delay was exacerbated by the difficulty in moving Lord Balabhadra's massive chariot, Taladhwaj, especially at a crucial bend that slowed the procession. The chariot's stop led to a congregation of fervent devotees.
with increasing devotees breaching the restricted zones, hampering the smooth passage of the chariots. Security officials faced immense challenges due to the unexpectedly large crowd, yet managed to avert a situation that could have led to more severe consequences. Owing to these disturbances, hundreds of devotees required urgent medical attention, with over 600 treated at Puri Medical College. Miraculously, despite the chaos, no fatalities occurred.
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Source: aajtak
Responding to reports of devotees fainting during the Jagannath Rath Yatra, Odisha's Minister Mukesh Mahaling suggested that extreme heat and humidity might have been the main culprits. 'A few devotees fainted likely due to weather conditions, but the rescue teams quickly responded to deliver them to hospitals,' he affirmed. 'Primary Health Centres near the temple have been set up, and arrangements for water and glucose are in place. I personally ensure adequate medical support is available, and I will visit hospitals to verify care for those in need,' said Mukesh Mahaling.
Read: Puri Jagannath Festival: Over 600 devotees injured due to dense crowd, Lord Balabhadra's chariot stuck on bend
Source: aajtak
Every year, Puri transforms into a spiritual hotspot as millions of devotees from all corners of the world gather to witness the grand rath yatra. During this time, the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, along with his brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Goddess Subhadra, are ceremoniously pulled by hands from the 12th-century Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, 2.5 kilometers away. They spend a week in the temple regarded as their 'Aunt's House' before their revered return to the sanctum sanctorum of the Jagannath Temple in a similar procession.
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This is the spell when Lord Jagannath steps out to meet his devotees, creating a chant-filled Puri with 'Jai Jagannath' and 'Ho Bhakte' resonating in the air. Post the auspicious rituals, such as Mangala Arti, the deities are seated on their mighty chariots. Clanging bells and conches accentuated the Srichakr of Lord Vishnu's weapon. Magnificent chariots adorned the grand Singhadwar, while Sudarshan Chakra preceded, taking its throne on the Darpadalan chariot.
Source: aajtak
Following Sudarshan was Lord Balabhadra on Taladhwaj and then Goddess Subhadra on Darpadalan. As the procession made its way down Grand Road, the remains of royal Bhois wielded brooms encrusted with gold, preparatory to the chariots' pull by devotees. Lord Balabhadra's chariot lead, paused mid-way, followed by Goddess Subhadra, and ultimately the iconic chariot of Lord Jagannath.
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For this grand festival, approximately 10,000 security personnel, including eight companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), have been deployed across the city. Odisha's DGP Y.B. Khurania emphasizes, 'We've activated top-notch security measures to ensure a seamless rath yatra, monitored by over 275 AI-enabled CCTV cameras.'
