Rath Yatra 2025 | Over 600 devotees hospitalised in Puri amid prolonged delay in chariot pulling

More than 600 devotees were admitted to Puri Medical due to injuries and illness sustained during the Rath Yatra festivities on Friday. As per sources, the massive turnout and associated chaos led to a significant number of people requiring medical attention. According to reports, the delay in pulling the chariots is one of the major factors behind the injuries and illnesses of the devotees. The challenging manoeuvring of Lord Balabhadra's Taladhwaja chariot, required at a critical turn, significantly slowed down the procession. An unusually high number of people entered the restricted cordoned-off area, hampering the smooth movement of the chariots and leading to congestion. Puri witnessed an overwhelming number of devotees this year, far exceeding expectations, which intensified the crowd management challenges. Authorities are reportedly continuing efforts to manage the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.