Devotee Dies of Suffocation During Puri Rath Yatra Amid Heavy Crowd

Puri witnessed a tragic incident during the world‑famous Rath Yatra as a devotee lost his life due to suffocation in the massive crowd.

The man was rushed to Puri Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Lakhs of devotees had gathered to witness the annual chariot festival, creating extreme congestion along the Grand Road.

The suffocation incident has cast a shadow of grief over the celebrations, raising concerns about crowd management and safety measures during the mega event.

While Odisha’s villages and towns continue preparations for their own Rath Yatra festivities, the tragedy in Puri highlights the challenges of balancing tradition with modern safety protocols.