At least two people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries during a crowd surge at the annual Rath Yatra in Puri on Thursday, July 16,2026. The tragic incident unfolded on Badadanda, the main thoroughfare leading to the historic Shree Jagannath Temple, as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the ceremonial pulling of the chariots.
The chaos erupted near Marichikote when an ambulance attempted to navigate through the dense crowd, prompting a stampede-like situation. In the ensuing panic,numerous individuals fell, leading to injuries that required immediate medical attention. Hospital sources reported that around 100 devotees were treated, with many suffering fractures in their limbs.
The deceased were identified as Anil Dash,35, while identity of the second victim remains unconfirmed. Among the injured, two individuals were reported to be in critical condition. Emergency services responded swiftly, with the Special Rescue Unit of Odisha Fire & Emergency Services rescuing 33 devotees from the crowd congestion and providing them with first aid and oxygen support before transferring them to nearby hospitals.
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his sorrow over the loss of life,stating,“I am deeply saddened by loss of lives in the stampede at Badadanda during Rath Yatra. I pray for the eternal peace of the departed souls and for the swift recovery of the injured.” He also emphasized the need for improved crowd management to ensure the safety of devotees during such large gatherings.
Earlier in the day, the atmosphere was charged with devotion as lakhs of pilgrims made their way along three-kilometer stretch of Badadanda,connecting the Shree Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. Despite the incessant rain, the faithful chanted “Haribol” and blew conch shells as the idols of Lord Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath, and Devi Subhadra were ceremonially brought out by traditional priests after elaborate rituals.
The chariots,named Taladhwaj (for Lord Balabhadra),Nandighosh (for Lord Jagannath),and Darpadalan (for Devi Subhadra),began their journey amid fervent devotion . Puri’s titular king, Divyasingha Deb, performed the traditional ‘Chhera Pahanra’ ritual, sweeping the chariots as the chief servitor. Puri Shankaracharya Jagadguru Nischalananda Saraswati also offered prayers to the deities on the chariots.
However, the procession faced an unexpected halt midway, preventing the chariots from reaching the Gundicha Temple. The pulling of the chariots is now scheduled to resume on Friday,July 17,2026,as the community mourns the tragic events of day .
