Jagannath Rath Yatra: Devotees Injured During Pulling Of Chariots In Odisha’s Puri

Puri: Several persons, including women, were reportedly injured during pulling of Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra at Marichikote Chhak in Odisha’s Puri on Tuesday.

They have been admitted to Puri district headquarters hospital. 

According to sources, a dozen sustained injuries after they fell down after hitting a motorcycle parked by the roadside while pulling Taladhwaja chariot of Lord Balabhadra near Marchikot Chhak, about 300 metres from Jagannath Temple. Several others were also injured in commotion during the pulling of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha.

Eight devotees were hospitalised after they fell down. The district headquarters hospital here also received over 140 devotees for treatment after they fainted due to the scorching heat.

Notably, the pulling of the chariots began at 3.04 pm with Lord Balabhadra leading the procession riding Taladhwaja amid chants of “Jai Jagannath”, “Hari Bol” and the clanging of cymbals at the pilgrim town. Goddess Subhadra’s Darpadalana was pulled towards the Gundicha Temple, around 3 km away from Srimandir, around 3.55 pm, followed by Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha at 4.40 pm as the Lords embarked on their nine-day annual sojourn. 

Also Read: [In Pics] Jagannath Rath Yatra: Lords Of Odisha’s Puri Temple Begin Their Annual Sojourn