On June 29, 2025, a tragic stampede during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha, claimed the lives of three devotees, including two women, and left several others injured.
The incident occurred around the colossal chariots as an immense crowd surged forward, eager to catch a glimpse of the deities and touch the ropes of the chariots.
At around 4.30 am today, the holy chariots were at the Gundicha temple and a large crowd had gathered for a darshan according to reports from some local media.
The Rath Yatra, a nine-day festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra, attracts millions of devotees from across India and the globe.
According to hospital officials, some of the injured received primary treatment and were subsequently discharged, while others remain hospitalized with serious injuries.
Former Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik posted on X, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the three devotees who have lost their lives in the tragic stampede at Saradhabali, Puri and I pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannatha for the swift recovery of the devotees injured in this devastating incident.Today’s stampede, occurring just a day after the abysmal failure of crowd management during the RathYatra that left hundreds injured, exposes the government’s glaring incompetence in ensuring a peaceful festival for devotees. Eyewitnesses report that the initial response to this horrific tragedy came from the devotees’ relatives, with no government machinery present to manage the surging crowds, highlighting a shocking lapse in duty.The inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Rath Yatra day was conveniently attributed to “Mahaprabhu’s wish”, a shocking excuse that masks the administration’s complete abdication of responsibility. While I refrain from accusing the government of criminal negligence, their blatant callousness has undeniably contributed to this tragedy.”
Patnaik also appeals to the Odisha government to implement urgent corrective measures to ensure the smooth conduct of key Rath Yatra rituals, including Adapa Bije, Bahuda, Suna Besha, and other important events.
