The Puri Ratha Yatra, an annual festival drawing millions to the coastal town of Puri, Odisha, turned tragic this year when a series of accidents marred the sacred event. On Sunday, as the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra began their journey, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by unfortunate incidents, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
One of the most distressing events occurred at the Gundicha Temple when the idol of Balabhadra fell while being dismounted from the chariot. This mishap injured five servitors, who were promptly admitted to Puri Hospital for treatment. The initial tug of the chariot’s ropes at around 5:20 PM signaled the start of the procession, which quickly escalated into chaos as massive crowds surged forward, leading to a stampede-like situation. The dense crowd led to numerous injuries, and tragically, one devotee suffocated to death amidst the melee.
Adding to the sorrow, a similar tragedy unfolded in Bangladesh’s Bogura, where five individuals were electrocuted and fifty others severely injured during their local Ratha Yatra celebrations. The mishap occurred when the chariot came into contact with an overhead power line, highlighting the perils associated with large-scale religious gatherings.
Moreover, the calamity in Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, where 121 people were crushed to death during a religious event, further underscored the need for stringent safety measures at such congregations.
This year’s Ratha Yatra was particularly notable as it coincided with the Nabajauban Besha and Netra Utsav, events that are traditionally celebrated the day before the chariot festival. It has been 53 years since these auspicious days last converged. According to the sacred traditions, following the Snana Yatra, the deities are believed to fall ill and are kept in seclusion. Upon their recovery, the idols undergo a rejuvenation ceremony known as Nabajauban Besha and Netra Utsav.
Usually, the Ratha Yatra follows these events by a day, but this year, all three fell on the same day, leading to a packed schedule and increased logistical challenges. Consequently, the chariots began their journey later in the evening on Sunday, with the procession continuing into Monday. The Odisha government had preemptively declared a holiday on Monday to accommodate the extended festivities.
Despite the festive decorations and the influx of devotees, the rare alignment of dates led to a two-day celebration that will be remembered for both its spiritual significance and the tragic incidents. As the deities embarked on their journey to their aunt’s house, the twin occurrences of celebration and catastrophe cast a somber shadow over the 2024 Puri Ratha Yatra.
