Lalit Bagarti : Stampede at Rath Yatra in Puri: 1 Dead, 5 Injured

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Rath Yatra stampede
2. Puri Rath Yatra incident

The Rath Yatra in Puri, Odisha, organized by the newly-elected BJP government, began tragically with a devotee’s death and multiple injuries in a stampede-like situation during the chariot pulling ceremony. The deceased, Lalit Bagarti from Balangir district, was trampled in the rush to pull Lord Balabhadra’s chariot. Over 300 devotees were hospitalized due to dehydration and injuries in the extreme heat. The event witnessed a display of unity as political leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, came together to pay homage to the deities. The President even joined in pulling the chariot, making it a historic moment.

The First Rath Yatra under the Newly-Elected BJP Government in Odisha

Located in the eastern state of Odisha, Puri is known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance. The city is famous for the Jagannath Temple, which is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Every year, the city witnesses the grand celebration of Rath Yatra, where thousands of devotees gather to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.

Tragic Incident During the Rath Yatra

The first Rath Yatra under the newly-elected BJP government in Odisha started on a tragic note when a male devotee, Lalit Bagarti of Saintala in Balangir district, lost his life in a stampede-like situation. The incident occurred near the Hindi school, just 200 metres from Simhadwar of the Jagannath temple, during the pulling of the Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra.

Eyewitnesses reported that the tussle among the devotees to lay hands on the ropes and pull the chariot led to the unfortunate situation. The deceased devotee fell in the push and was trampled by others, resulting in his untimely death. Additionally, at least five other devotees fell and sustained injuries, with one of them in critical condition.

President Droupadi Murmu Participates in the Festival

The Grand Road in Puri was filled with a sea of devotees as lakhs of people gathered to participate in the Rath Yatra. This year, the festival saw President Droupadi Murmu in attendance, marking the first time that the President of India participated in the event. President Murmu also took part in pulling the Taladhwaja chariot, adding to the grandeur of the occasion.

Despite political differences, the event witnessed a display of unity as leaders from various parties came together to pay their respects to the deities. The leader of the Opposition and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, President Murmu, Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan all shared the stage and participated in the festival.

Health Concerns Amidst the Festivities

Along with the tragic incident during the Rath Yatra, over 300 devotees were hospitalized due to various reasons, including dehydration, suffocation, and injuries sustained during the chariot pulling. The extreme heat and humidity in the city added to the challenges faced by the devotees as they participated in the religious festivities.

Despite the unfortunate turn of events, the Rath Yatra in Puri continues to be a significant cultural and religious event that attracts devotees from all over the country. The city’s vibrant atmosphere during the festival showcases the deep-rooted traditions and spiritual beliefs of the people of Odisha.