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Time of India
06-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Thousands gather in Keonjhar to watch ceremony
1 2 Keonjhar: Thousands of devotees from across the district gathered here to witness the Suna Besha ceremony atop the 'world's tallest' chariot on Sunday. Sources said on Sunday morning, the devotees pulled the Nandighosh chariot, which was stopped on Saturday during Bahuda Yatra due to heavy rain. After the chariot was parked near the Shri Baladevjew Temple at 10:40am, the traditional Suna Besha ceremony was performed. Extensive arrangements were made by the district administration, police and temple authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals. Security was tightened with a cordon put around the chariot for helping devotees witness the ceremony smoothly. Traffic was restricted from 3pm to ensure the devotees didn't face any inconvenience to reach near the chariot. While Lord Balabhadra is adorned with a gold crown having 14 precious stones, Lord Jagannath wore a gold crown with 12 stones, and Devi Subhadra had a gold crown with 12 stones. Other jewellery included two pairs of gold earrings, a necklace, a gold 'rudraksha garland', a silver crown, four silver hands, four silver legs and four silver feet.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Time of India
Bahuda Yatra unites over 1,000 devotees in Nigeria's Lagos
1 2 Rourkela: Odia Samaj Association of Nigeria (OSAN) celebrated the Bahuda Yatra — the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — with great fervour on Saturday, drawing over 1,000 devotees to the vibrant event in Lagos. The festival saw the deities ceremoniously return to the Lord Jagannath temple, built in Lagos in 2017 as a replica of the iconic Puri shrine. The event was marked by devotional songs and authentic Odia cuisine, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere for devotees far from home. The consulate general of India to Nigeria, Chandramouli Kern, and the head of chancery, N Mahesh, were among the dignitaries who joined the celebration. "The Lord Jagannath temple in Lagos is a shining example of the cultural exchange between India and Nigeria. We are proud to see it thriving as a spiritual hub for the community," Kern said. Prasant Das, President of OSAN, called the Bahuda Yatra an important symbol of unity for the diaspora. "This festival brings our community together and strengthens our bond. We are grateful to the consulate and dignitaries for their presence and support," Das told TOI. Shivkumar, president of the India Cultural Association, described the event as a moment of pride. "We thank the Odia Samaj for celebrating this great festival here, giving us an opportunity to receive the blessings of Lord Jagannath." Temple trustees Ramesh Biswal (Hindu Mandir Foundation) and Ashok Nayak (OSAN) expressed gratitude to the devotees for their enthusiastic participation, which they said filled the event with "high positive vibrations." OSAN had earlier celebrated the Rath Yatra on June 27.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Bahuda Jatra celebrated with great devotion and grandeur in Visakhapatnam
The Bahuda Jatra, marking the return journey of the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra to the main temple at Dasapalla Hills, was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur here on Friday. Organised by the Utkal Sanskrurika Samaj (USS), a prominent socio-cultural organisation of Odias in the city, the annual event drew hundreds of devotees. The deities, who had been on a nine-day sojourn at the Gundicha temple located in Lawsons Bay Colony, were ceremonially brought back in a grand procession. The ritual of Pahandi Bije was performed to usher the deities onto the beautifully decorated chariot adorned with vibrant flowers. Following tradition, the chariot platform was ritually swept by the designated Gajapati, after which USS president J.K. Nayak, along with several devotees, began pulling the chariot amid resonant chanting of bhajans and Sankirtan. Adding to the spiritual and cultural fervour, the Odisha government had deputed the Gayatri Kala Sangathan from Rayagada to perform the traditional Dhimsa dance. Classical Odissi dance performances further enthralled the crowd along the route. The return procession passed through several key locations, including Shanti Ashram, VUDA Park, Railway Guest House, AU Gate, HP petrol bunk, and the VUDA Children's Theatre. Volunteers from the Marwadi Yuva Manch offered drinking water to devotees along the route, while the Gurudwara Sad Sangat provided snacks.
News18
30-06-2025
- News18
‘Cops Fled To Save…': Puri Stampede Victims Share Ordeal, Question Crowd Control Measures
Last Updated: Survivors and eyewitnesses of the tragic incident alleged that the police personnel ran to save their own lives instead of rescuing the fallen victims during the stampede. Jagannath Rath Yatra Stampede: At least three people, including two women, died and nearly 50 others were injured in a stampede near Gundicha Temple in Odisha's Puri during the annual Rath Yatra on Sunday. The stampede broke out around 4 am on Sunday as thousands of devotees gathered to have darshan of the deity when the chariots of sibling deities– Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra– reached Gundicha Temple. As a result, several devotees fell over each other near the wheels of the chariot. The deceased have been identified as 36-year-old Basanti Sahu from Bolagarh, 42-year-old Pravati Das from Balipatna, and 80-year-old Premakant Mohanty, also from Balipatna. Victims Accuse Cops Of Fleeing Survivors and eyewitnesses of the tragic incident alleged that the police personnel ran to save their own lives instead of rescuing the fallen victims during the stampede. A man who lost his wife in the incident said that not a single authority responded to the escalating situation in Puri. 'I watched in horror as police officers fled to protect themselves. My wife was unconscious, and I had to carry her to the hospital with help from other devotees. Police authorities who should have protected us were nowhere to be found," Dilip Sahu, husband of deceased Prabhati Sahu told Times of India. Another victim said, 'When this incident happened, no one responded, neither the fire officials, nor the rescue team, nor the hospital team. This is a pathetic incident that cannot be expressed in words." 'There were hardly any police personnel visible despite the massive crowd. It was a Sunday, and the flow of devotees was growing. When people started falling and screaming, there was no organised response," another victim shared ordeal, the news outlet reported. Parikhita Mishra, an eyewitness from Dhenkanal who narrowly escaped, blamed the administration for allowing two trucks carrying additional wooden ladders for the chariots. As per the reports, the stampede reportedly began when two trucks carrying sacred ritual materials entered the already-crowded Saradhabali area near the temple. Devotees had been waiting since the early hours to witness the sacred 'Pahuda' ritual, during which the cloth covering the deities' faces is removed. The unexpected entry of the trucks caused panic, pushing the crowd into disarray. Several people were trampled or suffocated in the chaos. Santosh Das, a local and frequent temple visitor, criticised the consistent failures in crowd control. He observed that despite predictably large festival crowds each year, police never seem to improve their management, noting that only a handful of officers were present for thousands of devotees, making it impossible to keep order. Swadhin Kumar Panda, a local resident, alleged poor crowd management and claimed that VIP routes were prioritised while the general public was diverted without proper planning. 'The traffic system was also not good, as many vehicles with unauthorised passes came near the temple. The administration did not control the crowd properly. The biggest problem was the exit gate," he said. Odisha CM Tenders Apology, Orders Probe Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi on Sunday sought forgiveness from devotees of Lord Jagannath after three devotees were killed and tendered an apology on behalf of his government for the incident and pledged strict action against those responsible for the lapses in crowd control and security arrangements. Calling the incident 'unpardonable," Majhi assured that an immediate investigation would be initiated to identify the security failures. Majhi also chaired a meeting with his deputies to asses the situation and ordered a full-fledged administrative inquiry to determine the cause and accountability of the incident. The Chief Minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh each to the next of kin of the devotees who lost their lives in the tragic incident. Expressing sorrow, Manjhi assured that the state government stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time. The investigation will be led by the Chairman of the Development Commissioner. In response to the incident, Majhi ordered the transfer of both the Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain and SP Vineet Agrawal. Two police officers – DCP Bishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi – were suspended for negligence. Khurda Collector Chanchal Rana was appointed the new Collector of Puri, while Pinak Mishra took over as SP. An administrative inquiry has also been launched under the supervision of the Development Commissioner. About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Puri, India, India First Published:
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- India Gazette
Odisha: Security tightened in Mayurbhanj after Puri Rath Yatra stampede
Mayurbhanj (Odisha) [India], June 29 (ANI): The Mayurbhanj district administration has intensified security and surveillance measures following the stampede during Rath Yatra in Puri on Sunday morning, which left three people dead and several others injured. Speaking to ANI, Pravat Kumar Mallick, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Baripada, said, 'We have intensified security, installed over 100 cameras, and set up three control rooms. Additonally, the police have increased personnel, deployed drones for aerial surveillance, and implemented strict traffic arrangements to manage the massive crowd.' The second phase of the Baripada Rath Yatra in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district resumed on Sunday, drawing thousands of devotees to the streets as the sacred chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath continued their journey. Steeped in devotion and distinguished by tradition, the Baripada Rath Yatra, also known as the Dwitiya Srikhetra in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, began on Saturday, a day after Rath Yatra in Puri. The Baripada Rath Yatra, celebrated a day after Jagannath Puri's Gundicha Yatra, features a unique tradition where women exclusively pull the chariot of Goddess Subhadra. This year, the pulling of the sacred chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath began on Saturday. The second phase of the chariot journey resumed on Sunday. Devotees thronged the streets, and the atmosphere turned electric with traditional music, rituals, and spiritual fervour. Thousands of women, dressed in traditional attire, came forward to participate, reflecting a harmonious blend of devotion and empowerment. As the three majestic wooden chariots settled at their final destination, Baripada reaffirmed its place as a vibrant cultural heartland, where faith meets tradition, and women take the lead on sacred ground. Meanwhile, the Odisha police reported a heavy influx of vehicles towards Puri on Sunday morning.'Today, on June 29, 2025, since early morning, there has been a very heavy inflow of vehicles towards Puri. Citizens may face a waiting time of more than 2 hours. This should be considered when planning to visit Puri,' posted Odisha Police on X. Earlier in the day, Odisha Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were suspended for negligence of duty following the stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra, which claimed the lives of three people and injured 6-7 others. The incident occurred during the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri, as overcrowding led to the unfortunate demise of three devotees. Expressing deep sorrow, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased devotee. The Chief Minister ordered a detailed administrative inquiry under the supervision of the Development Commissioner and instructed the transfer of the District Collector and SP. Chanchal Rana has been appointed as the new District Collector, while Pinak Mishra has taken charge as the new Superintendent of Police. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha and assured strict action against those responsible for the mishap. He emphasised that such incidents must not recur, ensuring the safety and sanctity of the festival in the future. During the annual Rath Yatra, a massive crowd of devotees pull the holy chariots of the three deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Shubhadra, which are taken to the Gundicha Temple, a short distance from the Jagannath Temple. The three deities spend a week at the Gundicha Temple before returning to Jagannath Temple. This year, the Rath Yatra commenced on Friday. (ANI)
