Puri: A stampede-like situation occurred at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Tuesday during Dola Purnima celebrations following an unprecedented rush of devotees near the Dolabedi area. As a result, several devotees sustained injuries as they pushed and jostled to get closer to the deities, with a few women and men falling to the ground.
According to reports, the idols of Lord Dologobinda, Goddess Sridevi, and Goddess Bhudevi were taken to the Dolabedi for playing ‘Phagu’ and ‘Abira’ as part of the ritual. The situation aggravated when the deities entered through Paschima Dwara for parikrama, triggering a surge in the crowd. A brief scuffle-like situation erupted as devotees pushed and jostled to get closer for darshan and participate in the ritual, with a large number of pilgrims gathered for the ceremonial proceedings.
Subsequently, security personnel and servitors quickly intervened, rescuing those who had fallen and managing the crowd. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported.
Speaking over phone, Puri Superintendent of Police confirmed the situation arose from devotees attempting to enter the restricted Dolabedi area during the ‘Bije’ of the deities.
