Puri, Odisha, June 30, 2025 – The annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, a vibrant celebration drawing millions of devotees, was marred by health emergencies as nearly 625 people fell ill due to sweltering heat and overcrowding on June 27, 2025. The iconic festival, known for its grand chariot procession, faced challenges as extreme weather and massive crowds led to hospitalizations, with several devotees requiring urgent medical attention.

Overwhelming Heat and Crowd Surge Cause Chaos

The Rath Yatra, one of India’s most significant religious festivals, sees devotees pull the massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra along the 3-km Bada Danda (Grand Road) to the Gundicha Temple. This year, temperatures soared, and high humidity exacerbated conditions, causing fainting, vomiting, and minor injuries among attendees. According to Puri Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Kishore Satapathy, the primary causes were overcrowding and oppressive heat, particularly near the Balagandi area, where Lord Balabhadra’s chariot, Taladhwaja, was stuck for over an hour, intensifying the crowd surge.

Health officials reported that over 230 devotees were treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), while approximately 520 others received care at the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH). Around 70 people remained under treatment, with nine in critical condition, though most were discharged after preliminary care. Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling emphasized that emergency response teams acted swiftly, transporting affected devotees to nearby medical facilities via ambulances stationed at the 12th-century Jagannath Temple.

Tragic Stampede Claims Lives

The festival took a tragic turn early Sunday morning, June 29, 2025, when a pre-dawn stampede near the Gundicha Temple resulted in the deaths of three devotees: Premakanta Mohanty (78), Basanti Sahu (42), and Prabhati Das (52). Over 50 others were injured as a crowd of over 20,000 converged in a space meant for far fewer, leading to chaos around 4 a.m. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called the incident “unpardonable,” announcing an ex-gratia payment of ₹25 lakh for the families of the deceased and ordering a high-level administrative probe to investigate security lapses. Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and Superintendent of Police Vinit Agarwal were transferred, and two senior police officials were suspended following the tragedy.

Criticism and Calls for Accountability

The incident sparked political controversy, with former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) criticizing the BJP-led state government for mismanagement. Patnaik described the crowd control failures as an “abysmal failure,” while the OPCC demanded a judicial inquiry, citing inadequate emergency services and logistical breakdowns. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan assured that a probe would be completed within 30 days, vowing strict action against those responsible.

Safety Measures and Festival Highlights

Despite the challenges, the Rath Yatra proceeded with the chariots reaching the Gundicha Temple on Saturday, June 28, after delays caused by the stuck chariot. Authorities had deployed nearly 10,000 security personnel, including eight companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and utilized 275 AI-enabled cameras and drones for crowd monitoring. The festival, steeped in centuries-old tradition, celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to their aunt’s abode at the Gundicha Temple, where they are worshipped for seven days before returning to the Jagannath Temple.

Tips for Safe Participation in Future Rath Yatras

For devotees planning to attend future Rath Yatra festivals, here are some tips to stay safe:

• Stay Hydrated: Carry water and drink regularly to combat heat and humidity.
• Avoid Peak Crowds: Plan your visit to avoid high-density areas like Balagandi during peak hours.
• Follow Safety Guidelines: Adhere to instructions from security personnel and avoid rushing toward chariots.
• Know Emergency Exits: Familiarize yourself with the locations of medical camps and ambulances.

Conclusion

The 2025 Puri Rath Yatra, while a deeply spiritual event, highlighted the need for improved crowd management and heat mitigation strategies. As Odisha mourns the loss of lives and prays for the recovery of the injured, the state government’s swift response and commitment to accountability aim to ensure safer celebrations in the future. Stay updated with Masala Mirror for the latest news on the Jagannath Rath Yatra and other major events across India.

Keywords: Puri Rath Yatra 2025, Lord Jagannath, Odisha festival, stampede, heatstroke, overcrowding, Gundicha Temple, Odisha news, crowd management, devotee safety

Sources: The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Republic World