A tragic stampede at a Hindu festival in Puri, Odisha, left at least three devotees dead and several others injured on Sunday, sparking concerns over crowd management during major religious events in India.
The incident occurred near the famed Gundicha Temple during the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival), one of Hinduism’s most revered and widely attended celebrations. Thousands of worshippers had congregated to pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings an event that traditionally attracts massive crowds to the coastal city.
According to Siddharth Swain, a senior district official, a sudden surge in the crowd led to panic and breathlessness among several devotees. “Nine people were rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, three succumbed while the others are recovering,” Swain said.
Although the exact cause of the surge is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest poor crowd control and inadequate safety measures contributed to the chaos. Local media also reported additional injuries, though officials were unable to confirm exact numbers.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Majhi called the incident a “tragic failure of planning” and ordered an immediate investigation. “This negligence is unforgivable. Exemplary action will be taken against those responsible for the safety lapses,” he stated.
Stampedes are an all-too-frequent occurrence during major religious events in India, where massive gatherings often overwhelm infrastructure and emergency services. Earlier this year, at least 30 people died during a pre-dawn crush at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. In May, six died in Goa during a fire-walking ritual gone awry.
Sunday’s stampede has once again drawn national attention to the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety protocols at religious gatherings. Experts and public safety advocates have long urged authorities to implement stricter measures, including regulated entry, real-time crowd monitoring, and emergency response systems.
As the investigation unfolds, families of the victims await justice, and many are calling for immediate reforms to prevent further tragedies during religious celebrations across the country.
