A devotee suffocated to death during the chariot-pulling event at the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, while several devotees have been injured, The Indian Express reported.
The identity of the deceased is yet to be confirmed. He was declared dead on arrival by the doctors at the Puri district headquarters hospital.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the family of the deceased.
Meanwhile, several other people were injured as a result of a stampede-like situation on the grand road. The injured were rushed to the Puri district headquarters hospital, where state health minister Mukesh Mahaling visited to assess the situation.
“We are trying to ascertain the identity of the deceased. I have personally monitored the health infrastructure and directed the hospital authorities to be ready to ensure proper healthcare to the injured,” Mahaling said.
As part of the Rath Yatra (Gundicha Yatra), the idols are placed on three large, decorated chariots following the Pahandi ritual (ceremonial procession).
Millions of devotees pull the chariots for approximately 3 kilometers along the Bada Danda (Grand Road) in Puri town. The idols are taken to the Gundicha Temple, considered the deities’ birthplace, where they remain until the Bahuda Yatra (returning car festival).