Deogarh: A religious gathering turned tragic on Saturday afternoon when lightning struck devotees during the Giri Govardhan Puja at Chitrakut hill in Jarachhat village under Para Panchayat of Reamal Block in Deogarh, leaving more than 35 people seriously injured.
According to reports, around 80 devotees had assembled for the annual puja to seek blessings for good rainfall and protection from certain diseases . As the rituals were underway, led by Baba Chandrasekhar Maharaj of Changudia Math, heavy rainfall accompanied by severe lightning lashed the area around 3 PM.
The devotees, sheltered under a temporary cloth canopy, were caught unawares when lightning struck, causing panic. More than 35 people collapsed and fell unconscious on the spot.
With immediate assistance from villagers, the injured were rushed in cars and SUVs to health centres in Chendipada, Kosala, and Kaniha (Angul district).
One critically injured devotee, Rama Sahu (50), was shifted to the Angul District Headquarters Hospital for advanced treatment.
The incident spread shock and grief across the region. Deogarh MLA Romancha Ranjan Biswal and Para Sarpanch Papina Jena expressed deep sorrow and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The annual Giri Govardhan Puja draws devotees from Jarachhat and nearby villages including Kankadajharna and Bula, who participate in rituals such as the Kalash Yatra from the Tikira River and yagna (fire offerings).
This year’s ceremony, however, ended in tragedy, casting a pall of gloom over the entire region.
