- By Nidhi Giri
- Fri, 27 Jun 2025 09:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Puri Rath Yatra: Over 550 devotees were injured during the ‘pulling of the chariot’ ceremony of the Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri on Friday as lakhs of devotees gathered for Lord Jagannath's annual journey. The incident occurred when the pulling of Lord Balabhadra’s Taladhwaja chariot began. As per Kalinga TV, the condition of at least eight people is critical. During the yatra, devotees draw the grand chariots of the three deities - Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister goddess Subhadra - to the Gundicha Temple.
#WATCH | Puri, Odisha | Ambulances reached the Rath Yatra spot after some people complained of suffocation and were reported unconscious due to humidity.
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025
The affected people were taken to the hospital and were provided with the required medical assistance https://t.co/Fie3j5sA03 pic.twitter.com/JYIkSUi7jj
#WATCH | Puri, Odisha | The pulling of the chariots begins at Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu's Rath Yatra in Puri pic.twitter.com/sLs2Uj2kh0
— ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025
What Is Jagannath Rath Yatra
The Annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra on Friday attracted lakhs of devotees who lined the 18-kilometre stretch to catch a glimpse of the grand procession. In Odisha, the historic Rath Yatra commenced from the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple located in the Jamalpur area.
The majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and sister Goddess Subhadra travel from the main temple to Gundicha Temple amid chants, drumbeats, and spiritual hymns. The vibrant procession, lined with devotees pulling the massive chariots, symbolises devotion and community spirit.
The festival, dating back centuries, celebrated for taking deities out of temples to travel among devotees, is now celebrated with the same enthusiasm by devotees across the world.
