Puri: A stampede-like situation erupted at the Jagannath Temple in Puri today as a large number of devotees broke through security barricades after enduring long waits.
The incident occurred early in the morning at Bada Danda, the grand avenue leading to the temple, where devotees had been queuing since the previous night to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of the New Year.
Frustration grew among the devotees due to the prolonged wait times, leading to a sudden surge that overwhelmed the security arrangements. As the crowd pushed forward, several people fell and sustained minor injuries. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported. The injured were quickly attended to by fellow devotees and temple authorities.
Despite extensive preparations by the Puri administration to manage the New Year crowds, the sheer volume of visitors proved challenging. The temple, a significant spiritual destination, continues to attract thousands of worshippers seeking blessings for the new year.
Authorities are now reviewing the incident to enhance crowd management strategies and ensure the safety of devotees in future events.
