Puri: A tragic stampede early this morning in front of the Shree Gundicha Temple in Puri has resulted in the deaths of three devotees and left 50 others injured, with seven reported to be in critical condition. The incident occurred around 4:00 AM on Saturday, June 29, 2025, amidst a massive gathering of devotees for the morning rituals.
The stampede, described as a “stampede-like situation” by authorities, unfolded as a large crowd surged forward near the Saradhabali area in front of the Gundicha Temple. This area is a key point during the Rath Yatra festivities, as it is where the deities halt their journey from the main Jagannath Temple before entering the Shree Gundicha Temple.
The deceased have been identified as Basanti Sahu, Premakant Mohanty, and Pravati Das. The injured were swiftly transported to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital and other local medical facilities. Medical teams are currently attending to the critically injured, who are under close observation.
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden and uncontrollable rush of devotees, leading to many falling and being trampled in the dense crowd. The early morning timing, coupled with the immense devotional fervor and a large number of people gathered to witness the “Mangal Arati” ritual, is believed to have contributed to the chaotic situation.
Authorities, including the Puri district administration and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), have acknowledged the challenges posed by the unprecedented crowd turnout during this year’s Rath Jatra. While extensive security and crowd management measures were reportedly in place, including the deployment of thousands of police personnel and AI-enabled CCTV cameras, the sheer scale of the gathering proved overwhelming at this particular juncture.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and other senior officials have expressed their condolences and are monitoring the situation closely. A thorough review of crowd management protocols for future events is expected. The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing Rath Jatra, a festival that attracts millions of devotees from across the globe.