A stampede-like incident occurred on the Grand Road (Bada Danda) in Puri, Odisha, during the Rath Yatra on Tuesday as a large number of devotees gathered for the annual chariot festival, officials reported.

The influx of people caused significant congestion along the procession route, leading to panic as movement stalled at various points on the Grand Road.

Officials indicated that over 120 devotees suffered from breathing issues as a result of the overcrowding and suffocation. Medical teams positioned along the route promptly provided assistance to those affected.

First aid was administered at temporary medical stations, while individuals needing further medical care were transported to local hospitals. Reports indicate that most of those affected are currently in stable condition.

In response to the chaos, security personnel, volunteers, and emergency response teams were deployed to manage the crowd and alleviate congestion. Authorities also established additional pathways to assist the movement of both devotees and emergency vehicles.

The Rath Yatra is renowned as one of India’s largest religious celebrations, drawing thousands of devotees from across the nation and beyond each year. Effectively managing these vast crowds poses a significant logistical challenge for local authorities.

Officials confirmed that the situation was stabilized after enhancing crowd management strategies. The administration has advised pilgrims to adhere to police guidelines and avoid heavily congested areas of the Grand Road to maintain a safe environment for all attendees.

Further updates will be provided as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.