One person died and several others were injured following a crowd surge during the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri on Thursday. The incident occurred as thousands of devotees gathered in the coastal city to witness the grand chariot procession of Lord Jagannath and his siblings amid heavy rainfall.

According to officials, seven people complained of discomfort during the proceedings and were immediately shifted to a hospital for medical attention. A 60-year-old man later died while undergoing treatment, while authorities are working to determine the exact cause of death. The injured devotees received medical care as emergency arrangements remained active during the festival.

The Rath Yatra is one of Odisha’s most significant religious events and attracts devotees from across the country every year. The festival is the only occasion when the three deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra — are taken outside the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri and carried on decorated chariots along the Grand Road.

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Despite heavy rainfall, thousands of devotees continued to participate in the celebrations, with many seen dancing and gathering along the procession route. The India Meteorological Department reported that Puri received 233 mm of rainfall since Tuesday, with light to moderate showers expected during the day, creating additional challenges for crowd management and movement.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed preparations earlier in the day and directed officials to prioritise the safety and convenience of devotees. As waterlogging became a concern due to continuous rain, the district administration, municipal authorities and other departments were instructed to remain alert and take immediate measures to clear affected areas.

Security arrangements for the festival were strengthened with the deployment of 19 IPS officers and nearly 13,000 police personnel. Additionally, 15 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, including the CRPF, BSF and RAF, were positioned at important locations. Authorities also used 473 AI-enabled CCTV cameras, along with drone-jamming systems and command-and-control centres, to monitor the Grand Road and surrounding areas during the massive gathering.

Also Read: Jagannath Chariots Roll Through Puri As Millions Defy Heavy Rain During Yatra