Tragedy strikes at Puri Jagannath rathotsava: One devotee killed, several injured

In a tragic turn of events, the world-renowned Puri Jagannath Rathotsava, a festival eagerly anticipated by millions across the nation, witnessed a fatal accident today. The revered Rath Yatra, which attracts lakhs of devotees to Puri every year, saw one devotee killed and several others seriously injured in a stampede.

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The incident occurred while the devotees were pulling the Taladhwaja Rath, one of the three grand chariots central to the festival. The stampede led to chaos and panic, resulting in the unfortunate death of a devotee at the scene. Several others sustained serious injuries and were promptly rushed to Puri District Hospital for treatment.

The Rathotsava, marked by its grandeur and spiritual fervour, came to an abrupt halt following the tragedy. Authorities have suspended the chariot-pulling event for the day as a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of the remaining devotees.

The Puri Jagannath Rathotsava continues to be a significant religious event, drawing crowds from all over the country. However, today's incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent safety measures during such large gatherings.