Tragedy Strikes Rath Yatra in Puri: Stampede Claims 3 Lives, Leaves 10 Injured

Puri, Odisha – June 29, 2025
What was meant to be a sacred and joyous celebration turned tragic on Sunday during the revered Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha. Amid the chants, the drums, and the spiritual energy of the occasion, a sudden stampede unfolded, resulting in the loss of three lives and injuries to at least ten others.

A Sacred Day Turns Somber

The annual Rath Yatra is one of the most significant religious events in India, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad. People gather to witness the majestic procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra as their grand chariots are pulled through the crowded streets of Puri.

This year was no different in terms of enthusiasm. Thousands thronged the Grand Road, or “Bada Danda,” many camping overnight to secure a glimpse of the divine idols. As the chariot of Lord Balabhadra began moving, the massive crowd surged forward, eager to participate in the sacred ritual of pulling the ropes—considered a once-in-a-lifetime blessing for many.

How the Chaos Unfolded

According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the stampede occurred mid-morning when the crowd near one of the chariots became uncontrollable. A sudden push from the rear section caused panic in the dense crowd. With hardly any space to move, several devotees lost balance and fell. Others, in a desperate attempt to escape, stumbled over them, triggering a chaotic chain reaction.

Security personnel rushed to the spot within minutes, forming human chains and making desperate attempts to control the tide of bodies. However, by the time the situation was brought under control, three lives had already been lost. Ten others, including elderly devotees and women, sustained injuries ranging from fractures to respiratory distress due to suffocation.

Emergency Services and Response

Medical teams stationed along the yatra route swung into action, offering first aid and transporting the critically injured to the district hospital. Authorities confirmed that the three deceased were declared dead on arrival. The injured are currently receiving treatment, and their conditions are being closely monitored.

Odisha’s Chief Minister expressed deep grief over the incident and announced an immediate ex-gratia compensation for the families of the deceased. “It is a heartbreaking moment. The Rath Yatra is a time of devotion and unity. We will do everything in our power to support the affected families,” the CM stated.

Crowd Control Under Scrutiny

While the scale of the festival often challenges the limits of even the most carefully laid security plans, questions are now being raised about crowd management and emergency preparedness. Several attendees alleged that barricading was weak at key junctions and that there were few visible signs of crowd control as the procession advanced.

Local authorities defended their efforts, pointing to the massive deployment of police and volunteers. However, they acknowledged that the sheer size of the crowd, estimated to be in the lakhs, had posed significant challenges.

“We had taken all precautions and had increased deployment this year, but the density of the crowd during certain times made mobility almost impossible,” said a senior official.

Devotion Meets Danger

For the devotees, the Rath Yatra is a moment of divine connection—a chance to physically engage with the gods by pulling the ropes of the chariots. That spiritual intensity, however, can sometimes overwhelm practical concerns like personal safety.

“People were so emotionally charged,” said Subhashini Rao, a 52-year-old pilgrim from Andhra Pradesh. “Everyone wanted to touch the ropes, to be close to the Lord. But in that emotion, we lost three souls. My heart is heavy.”

A Call for Reflection

This tragic incident is a sobering reminder that even the most sacred moments can take a turn if safety is not prioritized at every level. Religious gatherings, especially those of such massive scale, require not just spiritual preparation, but also meticulous logistical planning.

As Odisha mourns the lives lost in the chaos, there is also a collective call for reflection—on how to preserve the sanctity and safety of such traditions. Many believe that with better crowd-monitoring technologies, more trained personnel, and stricter crowd flow mechanisms, such tragedies can be prevented in the future.

Conclusion

While the Rath Yatra will continue to be an enduring symbol of Odisha’s spiritual heart, today’s events serve as a somber footnote in its rich legacy. For the families who lost their loved ones, no compensation or condolence can fill the void. As the chariots roll on, the memory of this painful day will linger, reminding all that even in moments of devotion, human lives must come first.