A stampede-like situation occurred at Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Tuesday during Dola Purnima celebrations following an unprecedented rush of devotees near the Dolabedi area.
According to reports, several devotees sustained minor injuries after being caught in a sudden crowd surge. A few women and men reportedly fell to the ground as people pushed forward to get closer to the deities during the ritual proceedings.
Rush During ‘Bije’ and Parikrama
The incident took place when the idols of Lord Dologobinda, Goddess Sridevi, and Goddess Bhudevi were taken to the Dolabedi for the traditional playing of ‘Phagu’ and ‘Abira’.
Tensions escalated when the deities entered through Paschima Dwara for parikrama. Devotees gathered in large numbers for darshan and participation in the ceremony, leading to a brief scuffle-like situation as the crowd surged toward the restricted area during the ‘Bije’ procession.
Swift Intervention by Authorities
Security personnel and temple servitors responded promptly to control the situation. Those who had fallen were quickly assisted, and crowd movement was regulated to prevent further escalation.
Officials confirmed that no serious injuries were reported.
Speaking over the phone, the Puri Superintendent of Police stated that the situation arose when devotees attempted to enter the restricted Dolabedi area during the ceremonial ‘Bije’ of the deities.
