Patnaik expresses anguish over inordinate delay in Rath Yatra in Puri
We aren't here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday's inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot. But it's impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State.
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The Hindu
10 hours ago
- The Hindu
Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik takes swipe at BJP government over delay in Rath Yatra rituals
: A day after the sibling deities' journey remained incomplete, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took a sharp swipe at the Mohan Majhi government, citing mismanagement of Odisha's most sacred event. Recuperating in Mumbai after a procedure for cervical arthritis, Mr. Patnaik took to social media platform X to express concern over the series of lapses that marred the Rath Yatra festivities. 'We are not here to point fingers or blame the administration for Friday's (June 27, 2025) inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha (Lord Jagannath's chariot). But it is impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State,' said Mr. Patnaik in his statement. He further said, 'it is hard to forget how, last year, Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi—a moment that left countless devotees shaken.' 'And now this year, we witnessed Nandighosha ratha still standing at the Singhadwar till 7:45 p.m., only to move a few metres before the day ended. That understandably has left lakhs of devotees who came from all over the world to witness this unique event completely disenchanted and disillusioned. Hundreds of devotees also got injured due to poor crowd management,' said former Odisha CM. As per ritual, chariot pulling must be halted after sunset. On Friday (June 27, 2025), the Nandighosh chariot, which was the last to be towed, could not cover the intended distance due to the large crowd surrounding it.' 'May Mahaprabhu (lord) Jagannath forgive all those responsible for the terrible mess that has overshadowed this divine festival this year. I hope it leads to deep introspection by all in government,' he said. Mr. Patnaik also posted media reports which alleged that two ministers had provided entry passes for the inner cordon to a large number of supporters which was major reason behind the delay. In addition to the delay, hospitalisation of 700 devotees due to a stampede-like situation and heat exhaustion in Puri was said to be upshoot of mismanagement of event. The rituals of the sibling deities of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri evoke deep emotions among Odias across the State. Successive governments have taken utmost care to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual Rath Yatra. Ahead of the festival, multiple rounds of preparatory meetings are held, including those focused on security arrangements. This year, over 200 platoons of police were deployed to maintain order. A high-powered committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, was constituted to oversee the event's smooth execution. However, despite these measures, the situation spiralled out of control. Allegations have emerged that excessive interference by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the organisation of the religious festival may have contributed to the unrest.
India Gazette
12 hours ago
- India Gazette
Naveen Patnaik raises concerns over
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 28 (ANI): Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik raised concerns over the 'inordinate delay' in pulling the Nandighosha chariot on Saturday. Some people experienced suffocation and reportedly fell unconscious due to high humidity during the Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri on Friday. Taking to 'X', the Biju Janata Dal chief stated that he doesn't want to 'point fingers or blame' the administration for the delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot, but it is 'impossible' to 'voice' deep concern and anguish on how the things unfolded during the most sacred event in Odisha. 'We aren't here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday's inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot. But it's impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State', Naveen Patnaik's 'X' post said. Reflecting to previous year's incident when 'Lord Balabhadra's' idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi and termed it as a moment which left 'countless' devotees shaken. 'It's hard to forget how, last year, Lord Balabhadra's idol slipped during the Adapa Bije Pahandi--a moment that left countless devotees shaken', Naveen Patnaik wrote in his 'X' post. Furthermore, mentioning about the Nandighosha ratha which was standing at the main gate of the Jagannath Temple till 7:45 pm on Friday, the BJD chief stated that it has left lakhs of devotees who had come to witness the Rath Yatra completely ' disenchanted and disillusioned'. Meanwhile, on Friday, according to officials, ambulances were rushed to the spot after some people complained of breathing difficulties and were reported unconscious due to the humidity. Those affected were quickly shifted to nearby hospitals and provided with necessary medical assistance. Speaking on the incident, Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling said, 'Due to high humidity, one or two devotees collapsed. The rescue teams took them to the hospital immediately. There are primary health care centres in the temple area. I am also here to make sure glucose and water are being provided adequately. I will also visit the hospital to make sure that proper healthcare is being provided to those who may need it.' The grand annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath commenced in Odisha's Puri on Friday, with thousands of devotees pulling the majestic chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, amidst chants, drumbeats, and spiritual fervour. Following the completion of key rituals, including the sacred 'Chhera Pahanra' (sweeping ceremony) performed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the deities were ceremonially placed on their respective chariots -- Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana. (ANI)
Deccan Herald
14 hours ago
- Deccan Herald
Patnaik expresses anguish over inordinate delay in Rath Yatra in Puri
We aren't here to point fingers or blame the administration for yesterday's inordinate delay in pulling the Nandighosha chariot. But it's impossible not to voice our deep concern and anguish over how things unfolded during the most sacred event in our State. It's hard to forget…
