Devotees throng Puri as Rath Yatra begins; 600 hospitalised due to ‘extreme’ heat

Several layers of security were put in place in Puri in order to ensure that one of the biggest religious congregations in India passes without any untoward incident

Under intense security, lakhs of devotees thronged the coastal town of Puri to celebrate the Rath Yatra festival of the sibling deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — that began on Friday.

Several layers of security were strung to ensure that one of the biggest religious congregations in India passed without any untoward incident. More than 200 platoons of the State police force and five companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed to control crowd, regulate vehicular movement and thwart sabotage attempts. Besides, AI-enabled CCTV cameras were installed to supplement the security arrangement.

Several hospitalised due to stampede like situations

But the intense heat took its toll on the pilgrims. Around 600 devotees were hospitalised due to heat exhaustion and stampede-like situations, said State Law Minister Pruthviraj Harichandan.

Devotees had begun to file in since Thursday and from the wee hours of Friday, they clamoured to grab vantage points to witness the majestic journey of the sibling deities. Around the same time, sevayats, traditional priests in Jagannath Temple, performed complex rituals, wherein outsiders are not allowed. Soon, in a rhythmic procession, large idols emerged from temple amidst chants of ‘Haribol’ and shrieks of conch shells blown by thousands of devotees. Idols of deities were taken to their respective chariots one after another. It’s the only time in a year the deities are brought out of sanctum sanctorum of the 12th century temple.

Subsequently, as per tradition, Puri’s titular King, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, carried out his ceremonial duty of sweeping the wooden chariot platforms with a golden broom. Chariots were pulled by security personnel while devotees pushed to touch the holy rope. Devotees filled the three-kilometre road, known as Bada Danda (Grand Road), that connected Shree Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple, considered abode of aunt of deities. Under the watchful gaze of security personnel, the chariots , decorated with colourful clothes, chugged along. Deities will be worshipped at Gundicha Tempe for seven days. On the ninth day, chariots will return to the Jagannath Temple.

Governor Kambhampati Hari Babu, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and his Ministerial colleagues, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries witnessed the spectacle.

At dusk the journey halted as the tradition insists that the journey should stop by sunset. It will resume on Saturday to the familiar sights and sounds.