A sacred celebration turned tragic in the coastal city of Puri on Sunday as a massive crowd gathered for the annual Hindu chariot festival near the revered Gundicha Temple.
A sudden swell of devotees led to a deadly stampede, killing at least three people and injuring several others, according to local officials.
The centuries-old festival, known for drawing huge crowds of pilgrims, took a grim turn when an unexpected surge of people caused panic and chaos. “There was a sudden surge in the crowd. Nine devotees experienced breathlessness and were rushed to the hospital. Sadly, three of them could not be saved,” said Siddharth Swain, a senior district administrator.
While exact numbers of the injured remain uncertain, eyewitness accounts and local media suggest more casualties may have occurred during the crush.
Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a “heartbreaking incident” and pledging swift action. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “This negligence is unforgivable. I have ordered an immediate investigation into the safety lapses. Those responsible will be held to account.”
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Crowd-related disasters are not uncommon in India, where religious events often attract thousands to hundreds of thousands of participants. In May, a similar tragedy in Goa claimed six lives during a fire-walking ritual.
And earlier this year, the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj witnessed the loss of over 30 lives due to a predawn stampede.
As the investigation unfolds in Puri, questions are being raised once again about crowd control and safety preparedness during large-scale religious gatherings in India.