Stampede like situation emerges at Puri Rath Yatra; One feared dead, over 100 hospitalised

July 16, 2026

Lakhs of devotees on Thursday thronged the holy city of Puri to have a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, elder brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra and pull their chariots Nandighosha, Taladhwaja and Darpadalana respectively. The devotees, filled with pure devotion, are chanting the holy names of ‘Jai Jagannath’, ‘Hari Bol’, and dancing in ecstasy.

The annual chariot festival is observed on Dwitiya Tithi — the second day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashadha month in the Hindu Almanac — a time considered spiritually auspicious due to the moon’s increasing brightness.

Massive Security Arrangements in Place

The district administration, police and other departments have made elaborate arrangements in the city to ensure a smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra this year. More than 13,000 police personnel, along with an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), have been deployed for security arrangements during the festival.

The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy will also remain on alert to check any illegal activities through the coastal route. On the other hand, as many as 19 senior IPS officers have been assigned the duty to supervise the overall security arrangements.