Crowd surge near Gundicha Temple turns fatal as lakhs gather for Odisha’s iconic Rath Yatra; political blame game erupts over delay and crowd control.
Puri, Odisha | June 29, 2025:
A sacred occasion turned tragic in Puri today as three devotees lost their lives and ten others were injured in a stampede during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. The incident occurred around 4:30 am near the Gundicha Temple, three kilometers from the Jagannath Temple, when the crowd swelled uncontrollably during the procession of the holy chariots.
The deceased have been identified as Prabhati Das, Basanti Sahu, and Premakant Mohanty (70), all residents of Khurda district, who had travelled to witness the divine procession.
According to eyewitnesses and local reports, insufficient crowd control measures led to chaos as thousands rushed for a glimpse of the deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra — aboard their grand chariots.
Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain stated that autopsies are underway to confirm the cause of death. While he asserted that adequate security arrangements were in place, he admitted the crowd became unmanageable in a sudden surge.
The injured, some in critical condition, are being treated at nearby hospitals.
Also Read: Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra: Lakhs Of Devotees Flock To Puri As Chariot Rolls
A Festival Shadowed by Politics
The tragedy has sparked a political storm, with former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik calling it a “terrible mess.” He expressed sorrow, urging prayers and saying, “May Mahaprabhu Jagannath forgive all those responsible for the terrible mess that has overshadowed this divine festival.”
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, while not naming Patnaik directly, blamed the previous BJD government for past mismanagement and accused it of politicizing the tragedy. He claimed, “Since 1977, the chariots have always reached Gundicha Temple on the second day,” implying procedural disruptions this year.
The Rath Yatra, known for drawing millions of devotees, sees the sacred idols taken in a vibrant procession from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities reside for a week before returning.
This year’s tragedy has cast a somber shadow over what is considered one of India’s holiest and most joyous religious festivals.
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Jagannath Rath Yatra, Puri stampede, Odisha news, Rath Yatra 2025, Puri crowd control, Rath Yatra deaths, Naveen Patnaik, Prithiviraj Harichandan, Lord Jagannath, Odisha festival tragedy