THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
PURI,
MARCH 3, 2026
A
stampede-like situation unfolded at the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on
Tuesday amid the vibrant Dola Purnima celebrations, as an unprecedented surge
of devotees near the Dolabedi area led to chaos and injuries.
According
to reports, several devotees sustained minor injuries after being caught in a
sudden crowd swell. A few women and men reportedly fell to the ground as eager
worshippers pushed forward in an attempt to get closer to the deities during
the ritual proceedings.
The
tense moment occurred when the idols of Lord Dologobinda, Goddess Sridevi, and
Goddess Bhudevi were ceremoniously taken to the Dolabedi for the traditional
playing of ‘Phagu’ and ‘Abira’, marking one of the most significant rituals of
the festival. Devotees had gathered in overwhelming numbers to witness the
sacred event and seek blessings.
Tensions
escalated further as the deities entered through Paschima Dwar for parikrama.
The crowd swelled rapidly during the ceremonial ‘Bije’ procession, with
devotees attempting to access the restricted Dolabedi area, triggering a brief
scuffle-like situation and a sudden surge in movement.
Security
personnel and temple servitors acted swiftly to bring the situation under
control. Those who had fallen were promptly assisted, and immediate measures
were taken to regulate crowd flow and prevent further escalation.
Officials later confirmed that no serious injuries were reported.
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, leading to the temporary disorder.
