A massive crowd surge during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, led to more than 200 devotees being hospitalised on Wednesday after many experienced breathing difficulties and fainting. The incident occurred on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) as lakhs of pilgrims gathered to witness the annual chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Authorities said Special Rescue Unit (SRU) teams responded immediately, evacuating affected devotees and shifting them to Puri Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Over 500 lifeguards and fire service personnel were deployed along the beachfront and key routes to prevent further mishaps and ensure crowd safety. Officials added that crowd management measures were intensified throughout the day, with additional barricades and emergency response units positioned along the procession route.
Earlier in the morning, several devotees fainted due to the sheer density of the crowd and rising humidity. Videos shared by news agencies showed rescue teams carrying unconscious pilgrims to ambulances as thousands continued to throng the streets.
Despite the incident, the Rath Yatra remains one of India’s most celebrated festivals — and importantly, it is not just India celebrating. The Indian diaspora across the world has marked the occasion with equal devotion and grandeur. From London, New York, Toronto, Sydney, Dubai, Singapore, and Nairobi, Indian communities organised their own Rath Yatra processions, cultural programmes, bhajan gatherings, and community feasts. Many temples abroad, including ISKCON centres, held chariot parades attracting thousands of international devotees and locals.
The global celebrations highlight how the Rath Yatra has evolved into a worldwide cultural and spiritual event, symbolising unity, devotion, and India’s rich heritage.