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India Gazette
05-07-2025
- India Gazette
Ahead of Bahuda Yatra, Sudarsan Pattnaik creates sand sculpture in Puri
Puri (Odisha) [India], July 5 (ANI): Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik paid tribute to the Bahuda Yatra with a striking sand sculpture on Puri beach on July 4, as the coastal town geared up for the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Jagannath Temple from Shri Gundicha Temple. Preparations for the ceremonial return of the chariots, Nandighosha, Taladhwaja, and Darpadalana, are also in full swing, as thousands gathered along the Grand Road (Bada Danda) to witness the divine procession. Girijashankar Sarangi, a devotee, shared the significance of the occasion: 'Mahaprabhu was born here at Gundicha Temple... Today, after nine days of celebrations, Mahaprabhu will be heading home. On the way, Mahaprabhu's chariot will stop at the Mausi Maa temple, where he will be offered poda pitha, and it will then be distributed as prasad among devotees. The procession will then proceed to the Shri Jagannath Temple.' Meanwhile, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Khurania expressed confidence in the peaceful conduct of the grand festival amid heightened security deployment. 'There is a lot of enthusiasm among the devotees who have gathered in large numbers. The administration has made an elaborate arrangement. About 205 platoons of police have been deployed, and senior officers are also present to monitor the entire arrangement. The entire town of Puri is under CCTV surveillance, and everything is being monitored from the control room,' Khurania told ANI. Security arrangements have been significantly strengthened outside the Shri Gundicha Temple, also known as the Mausi Maa Temple. Police presence has been enhanced, particularly outside the Shri Gundicha Temple, where nearly 10,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the massive gathering of devotees. Speaking to ANI, Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra said extensive security measures are in place for the smooth conduct of the return chariot festival. He said, 'More than 10000 police personnel have been deployed... We have around eight companies of the RAF.' 'We have made elaborate police arrangements. Today, we are also expecting huge crowds of devotees who will join in this festival. Ensuring the safety of all devotees is our priority,' he added. Mishra highlighted that the annual festival is celebrated through the coordinated efforts of multiple stakeholders. 'This festival is celebrated with the coordination of many stakeholders. We are closely in touch with all the Sevayats, temple authorities, and the district administration,' he added. The coastal town of Puri is alive with devotion and cultural fervour as preparations peak for the Bahuda Yatra, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra to the Jagannath Temple from Shri Gundicha Temple on Saturday. This marks the culmination of the annual Rath Yatra festival, drawing lakhs of devotees to the sacred city. The streets of Puri buzz with vibrant performances as artists and devotees celebrate the occasion. (ANI)
India Gazette
30-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Administrative lapse, callousness": BJD's Mohanty demands resignation of Odisha Law Minister over Puri stampede
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], July 1 (ANI): Biiju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Lenin Mohanty on Monday lashed out at the 'administrative lapse and callousness' of the concerned authorities which led to the stampede during the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra a day earlier on June 29 and demanded the resignation of State Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. The BJP leader said that the officials and ministers concerned with the law and order situation during the Rath Yatra were absent during the stampede. Speaking to ANI, Mohanty said, 'We are extremely sad for the incident that has happened. This is the land of Lord Jagannath and people love to come to that place. During the annual rath yatra, a stampede took place on Sunday due to administrative lapse and callousness.' 'A team of 5 ministers was constituted, they were not there when the stampede took place, nor were the officials. When the stampede happened, these five ministers and the top-level officers were not there. An apology is not sufficient. Immediately after that, the real culprit should be punished. They just transferred the collector and DSP,' he said. Adding further, he said, 'The real culprit is the law minister (Prithviraj Harichandan). He always boasts high but has very low performance. He should take moral responsibility and he should resign...' Karnataka Congress MLC BK Hariprasad also reacted to the stampede and said, 'The BJP always tries to take political advantage of every situation. The Rath Yatra, which has been ongoing for thousands of years, has never experienced anything like this before. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has the entire responsibility, and he should resign immediately...' Meanwhile, as an administrative inquiry began into the Puri stampede, Development Commissioner Cum Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha, Anu Garg, spoke to mediapersons and said, '... 30 days are given in which we have to tell the reason behind this unfortunate incident and what measures can be taken so nothing like this happens in the future. We will speak with everyone and review all possible footage. What SOPs were there, and what were followed? After checking everything, the report will be submitted to the gov...' Earlier on Sunday, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan described the stampede that occurred during the annual Puri Rath Yatra as 'very unfortunate' and said appropriate action will be taken after the completion of an investigation. Three devotees lost their lives and several others were injured during the crowd surge at the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. 'The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident... We will take action once we get the report of the investigation,' Harichandan told reporters. He added, 'Mahaprabhu, with his wish, gives darshan to his devotees... Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to offer prayers... I prayed to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of everyone.' Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a financial assistance of Rs 25 lakh to the families of each of the deceased devotees. He also assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and pledged to prevent such tragedies in the future. 'Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha,' the Chief Minister said, adding that the safety and sanctity of the festival would be safeguarded at all costs. 'The chariots in the Rath Yatra reached Shree Gundicha Temple on June 28, and as per tradition, they visited their birthplace the next day. Unique and mesmerising rituals were conducted today very smoothly... We acknowledge the support and cooperation of the devotees... The important ritual will be the Sandhya Darshan on July 4. We request all the devotees to cooperate and follow the given instructions,' he said. The annual Rath Yatra is a significant religious event in Odisha, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country. The recent stampede has cast a shadow over the celebrations, prompting authorities to review crowd management and ensure stricter safety protocols in the coming days. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Puri Rath Yatra stampede: Law Minister vows action after probe into 'very unfortunate' incident
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday described the stampede that occurred during the annual Puri Rath Yatra as "very unfortunate" and said appropriate action will be taken after the completion of an investigation. Puri: Police officials visit the site after a stampede near Shree Gundicha Temple, in Puri, Odisha, after three people were killed in a stampede(PTI) Three devotees lost their lives and several others were injured during the crowd surge at the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. "The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident... We will take action once we get the report of the investigation," Harichandan told reporters. He added, "Mahaprabhu, with his wish, gives darshan to his devotees... Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to offer prayers... I prayed to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of everyone." Following the incident, the state government has ordered a high-level administrative inquiry to be supervised by the Development Commissioner. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra has been appointed in place of the previous SP, and Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has been replaced by Chanchal Rana. Odisha DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were also suspended for negligence of duty. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a financial assistance of ₹ 25 lakh to the families of each of the deceased devotees. He also assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and pledged to prevent such tragedies in the future. "Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha," the Chief Minister said, adding that the safety and sanctity of the festival would be safeguarded at all costs. Meanwhile, Arabinda K Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Office in Puri, said that the rituals during the festival were carried out smoothly despite the unfortunate incident. "The chariots in the Rath Yatra reached Shree Gundicha Temple on June 28, and as per tradition, they visited their birthplace the next day. Unique and mesmerising rituals were conducted today very smoothly... We acknowledge the support and cooperation of the devotees... The important ritual will be the Sandhya Darshan on July 4. We request all the devotees to cooperate and follow the given instructions," he said. Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania also noted that the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath was completed peacefully. "Just now, lakhs of people throughout the country witnessed the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath. There was no disturbance anywhere," he said. The annual Rath Yatra is a significant religious event in Odisha, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country. The recent stampede has cast a shadow over the celebrations, prompting authorities to review crowd management and ensure stricter safety protocols in the coming days. (ANI)
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- India Gazette
Puri Rath Yatra stampede 'unfortunate', says Odisha Law Minister; action promised after probe
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 30 (ANI): Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday described the stampede that occurred during the annual Puri Rath Yatra as 'very unfortunate' and said appropriate action will be taken after the completion of an investigation. Three devotees lost their lives and several others were injured during the crowd surge at the world-famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. 'The incident is very unfortunate. The state government has taken strict action and a senior officer will investigate the incident... We will take action once we get the report of the investigation,' Harichandan told reporters. He added, 'Mahaprabhu, with his wish, gives darshan to his devotees... Tomorrow, the devotees will have the opportunity to offer prayers... I prayed to Mahaprabhu for the well-being of everyone.' Following the incident, the state government has ordered a high-level administrative inquiry to be supervised by the Development Commissioner. Puri Superintendent of Police Pinak Mishra has been appointed in place of the previous SP, and Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain has been replaced by Chanchal Rana. Odisha DCP Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were also suspended for negligence of duty. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced a financial assistance of 25 lakh to the families of each of the deceased devotees. He also assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible and pledged to prevent such tragedies in the future. 'Rath Yatra is a source of pride for Odisha,' the Chief Minister said, adding that the safety and sanctity of the festival would be safeguarded at all costs. Meanwhile, Arabinda K Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Office in Puri, said that the rituals during the festival were carried out smoothly despite the unfortunate incident. 'The chariots in the Rath Yatra reached Shree Gundicha Temple on June 28, and as per tradition, they visited their birthplace the next day. Unique and mesmerising rituals were conducted today very smoothly... We acknowledge the support and cooperation of the devotees... The important ritual will be the Sandhya Darshan on July 4. We request all the devotees to cooperate and follow the given instructions,' he said. Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania also noted that the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath was completed peacefully. 'Just now, lakhs of people throughout the country witnessed the Pahandi Bije ceremony of Lord Jagannath. There was no disturbance anywhere,' he said. The annual Rath Yatra is a significant religious event in Odisha, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country. The recent stampede has cast a shadow over the celebrations, prompting authorities to review crowd management and ensure stricter safety protocols in the coming days. (ANI)
India Gazette
29-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Odisha: Pinak Mishra appointed Puri SP, Chanchal Rana new Collector after Rath Yatra stampede
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 29 (ANI): Following the tragic stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri that claimed three lives and left several injured, the Odisha government has transferred the Puri Superintendent of Police and Collector. Pinak Mishra has been appointed as the new SP of Puri, while Chanchal Rana replaces Siddharth Shankar Swain as the new Collector. These changes come in the wake of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's directive for a detailed administrative inquiry to be conducted under the supervision of the Development Commissioner. The CM also ordered strict action against those found negligent in their duties. Speaking after his appointment, SP Pinak Mishra said, 'This is the order of 'Mahaprabhu' that I have appointed as the SP of Puri once again. We will ensure that the 'Rath Yatra' concludes peacefully. I urge the devotees to coordinate with the administration and follow the guidelines issued by the administration.' Newly appointed Collector Chanchal Rana also spoke to ANI, saying, 'As per the will of Mahaprabhu and the instructions of the state government, I have taken charge as Puri Collector today. Our main priority is to ensure that devotees from across the world have a pleasant and joyful experience during the Rath Yatra. The police and the administration have taken all the steps. We also urge devotees to avoid overcrowded areas.' Earlier in the day, Odisha Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vishnu Pati and Commandant Ajay Padhi were suspended for dereliction of duty related to the stampede incident. The stampede occurred during the Rath Yatra in Puri, as overcrowding led to the unfortunate deaths of three devotees and injuries to several others. 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. 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. Earlier today, CM Mohan Charan Majhi apologised and sought forgiveness from devotees, following a stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, in which at least three people died and several were injured. He further directed the authorities to initiate action against those responsible. Posting on social media platform X, Chief Minister Majhi said, 'Due to the intense eagerness among devotees to have a glimpse of Mahaprabhu at Sharadhabali, an unfortunate incident occurred because of the resulting jostling and chaos. Personally, my government and I seek forgiveness from all devotees of Lord Jagannath. We express our condolences to the families of those devotees whose lives were lost at Sharadhabali and pray to Mahaprabhu Jagannath to grant them the strength to bear this profound sorrow.' He added that an investigation will be conducted into the security lapse and action will be taken against those responsible. 'This negligence is unforgivable. An immediate investigation into the security lapse will be conducted, and I have directed that necessary steps be taken to initiate exemplary action against those responsible,' Majhi's X post read. The stampede claimed the lives of three people and injured several early this morning near the Gundicha Temple in Puri. 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)
