As millions of devotees from across India and abroad converge in Puri, attention also turns to the Jagannath Temple itself, which is an architectural marvel steeped in mystery. 

As millions of devotees from across India and abroad converge in Puri, attention also turns to the Jagannath Temple itself, which is an architectural marvel steeped in mystery.&nbsp;

Rath Yatra 2025: 7 hidden mysteries of Puri’s Jagannath Temple that still baffle science and devotees

At least three devotees were killed and over ten were injured early Sunday (Jun 29) morning in a stampede-like situation near the Sri Gundicha Temple in Puri during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, officials said. The tragic incident occurred around 4:30 am at Saradhabali, where thousands had gathered for darshan (a glimpse) of Lord Jagannath as the chariot procession reached its destination. Authorities said a sudden surge in the crowd near the temple gates triggered panic, leading to chaos and a deadly crush. As per reports, the dead include two women and a 70-year-old man.<h2>What happened near the Gundicha Temple?</h2>The stampede-like situation unfolded as it became increasingly difficult for authorities to manage the devotees, as thousands pushed forward for a glimpse of the deity Lord Jagannath.As the crowd swelled and people pushed and shoved to get a fleeting look at Lord Jagannath near the narrow entry points of the temple, several devotees lost their footing and fell, triggering a stampede-like situation. In this, three people, including two women and an elderly man, died on the spot after being trampled.<h2>Victims of Jagannath Yatra stampede identified</h2>As per reports, all three victims were residents of Khurda district in Odisha. They have been identified as Prabhati Das, Basanti Sahu, and 70-year-old Premakant Mahanty. At least 10 others sustained injuries and were rushed to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital by emergency services. Doctors said several are in critical condition and are being closely monitored.Distressing visuals from the site of the stampede show people clamouring to reach their loved ones. Viewer discretion is advised.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Distressing visuals from Jagannath Puri Rathyatra in Odisha where 3 reportedly killed in a stampede, multiple injured. <a href="https://t.co/DoEZrXjM3p">pic.twitter.com/DoEZrXjM3p</a>&mdash; Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Benarasiyaa/status/1939169442971427035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Briefing the press about the incident Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania said that an investigation has been launched. He claimed that this year the number of devotees is more than in previous years. "As you can see, a large number of devotees have gathered, and a large number of people are coming. This is more than in previous years. The incident that happened in the morning is being investigated. All the facts will come out as to why this happened," he told ANI.

Authorities said a sudden surge in the crowd near the temple gates triggered panic, leading to chaos and a deadly crush. As per reports, the dead include two women and a 70-year-old man.

At least three devotees were killed and over ten were injured early Sunday (Jun 29) morning in a stampede-like situation near the Sri Gundicha Temple in Puri during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, officials said. The tragic incident occurred around 4:30 am at Saradhabali, where thousands had gathered for darshan (a glimpse) of Lord Jagannath as the chariot procession reached its destination. Authorities said a sudden surge in the crowd near the temple gates triggered panic, leading to chaos and a deadly crush. As per reports, the dead include two women and a 70-year-old man. What happened near the Gundicha Temple? The stampede-like situation unfolded as it became increasingly difficult for authorities to manage the devotees, as thousands pushed forward for a glimpse of the deity Lord Jagannath. As the crowd swelled and people pushed and shoved to get a fleeting look at Lord Jagannath near the narrow entry points of the temple, several devotees lost their footing and fell, triggering a stampede-like situation. In this, three people, including two women and an elderly man, died on the spot after being trampled. Victims of Jagannath Yatra stampede identified As per reports, all three victims were residents of Khurda district in Odisha. They have been identified as Prabhati Das, Basanti Sahu, and 70-year-old Premakant Mahanty. At least 10 others sustained injuries and were rushed to the Puri District Headquarters Hospital by emergency services. Doctors said several are in critical condition and are being closely monitored. Distressing visuals from the site of the stampede show people clamouring to reach their loved ones. Viewer discretion is advised.

Authorities said a sudden surge in the crowd near the temple gates triggered panic, leading to chaos and a deadly crush. As per reports, the dead include two women and a 70-year-old man.

Jagannath Rath Yatra tragedy: Three dead, 10 injured after stampede near Puri's Gundicha Temple

Jagannath Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is a prominent festival of the Hindu religion and is celebrated annually. This year's festival is being celebrated today, June 27. It is one of the iconic and spiritually significant festivals of India associated with Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, with many rituals and details. Here are the 10 interesting facts about Jagannath Rath Yatra-<h2>There are three deities&nbsp;</h2>The three deities Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are drawn by a multitude of devotees in three massive wooden chariots.<h2>Deities leave the temple</h2>They leave their sanctum in the Jagannath Temple and move to the Gundicha Temple, where they reside for a week and then return to the Jagannath Temple- a rare case when god is coming out to meet people.&nbsp;<h2>Newly constructed chariots&nbsp;</h2>Chariots are constructed anew every year with wood of specified trees like phassi, dhausa, etc, and designed with the prescribed scheme. This design remains the same, never changes. Each chariots have a guardian, Garuda, Vasudeva, Jayadurga, respectively, for Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.<h2>Each chariot has a name</h2>Each deity rides a unique chariot:Nandighosa (for Jagannath) – 18 wheelsTaladhwaja (for Balabhadra) – 16 wheelsDarpadalana (for Subhadra) – 14 wheels These are decorated with bright colored canopies and pulled by devotees.&nbsp;<h2>No Foreigners Allowed Inside the Temple</h2>No foreigners or non-Hindus are allowed within the temple vicinity. However, during Rath Yatra, everyone can see and even touch the deities, symbolising Lord Jagannath’s universal accessibility.<h2>King Sweeps the Path</h2>The Gajapati King of Puri performs the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual, where he sweeps the chariot platform with a golden broom, signifying humility before the divine, regardless of status.<h2>Deities fall ill</h2>Fifteen days before Rath Yatra, the deities are believed to fall ill after bathing with 108 pots of water during Snana Purnima. They rest during Anasara, a symbolic period of recuperation before the grand journey.<h2>The main door of Jagannath Temple remains closed&nbsp;</h2>The Singhadwara or the Lion's Gate of the temple remains closed due to the illness and provides a week of time for rest.<h2>Jagannath refuses to move</h2>According to people who have attended Rath Yatra in Puri, Lord Jagannath seems to refuse moving initially when the festivity begins, no matter how many hundreds of people push from behind and pull from the front.&nbsp;<h2>Hera Panchami</h2>Deity had a spat with his wife, Mahalaxmi, when he came out of the Jagannath temple. On the Fifth day of the Ratha Yatra, Mahalaxmi in the form of Subarna Mahalaxmi visits Gundicha Temple and warns Jagannath to return quickly.<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2> &nbsp;</h2>

Read 10 interesting facts about the Rath Yatra, one of the most iconic and spiritually significant festivals in India, especially celebrated in Puri, Odisha. 

Jagannath Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is a prominent festival of the Hindu religion and is celebrated annually. This year's festival is being celebrated today, June 27. It is one of the iconic and spiritually significant festivals of India associated with Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, with many rituals and details. Here are the 10 interesting facts about Jagannath Rath Yatra- There are three deities The three deities Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra are drawn by a multitude of devotees in three massive wooden chariots. Deities leave the temple They leave their sanctum in the Jagannath Temple and move to the Gundicha Temple, where they reside for a week and then return to the Jagannath Temple- a rare case when god is coming out to meet people. Newly constructed chariots Chariots are constructed anew every year with wood of specified trees like phassi, dhausa, etc, and designed with the prescribed scheme. This design remains the same, never changes. Each chariots have a guardian, Garuda, Vasudeva, Jayadurga, respectively, for Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Each chariot has a name Each deity rides a unique chariot: Nandighosa (for Jagannath) – 18 wheels Taladhwaja (for Balabhadra) – 16 wheels Darpadalana (for Subhadra) – 14 wheels These are decorated with bright colored canopies and pulled by devotees. No Foreigners Allowed Inside the Temple No foreigners or non-Hindus are allowed within the temple vicinity. However, during Rath Yatra, everyone can see and even touch the deities, symbolising Lord Jagannath’s universal accessibility. King Sweeps the Path The Gajapati King of Puri performs the 'Chhera Pahanra' ritual, where he sweeps the chariot platform with a golden broom, signifying humility before the divine, regardless of status. Deities fall ill Fifteen days before Rath Yatra, the deities are believed to fall ill after bathing with 108 pots of water during Snana Purnima. They rest during Anasara, a symbolic period of recuperation before the grand journey. The main door of Jagannath Temple remains closed The Singhadwara or the Lion's Gate of the temple remains closed due to the illness and provides a week of time for rest. Jagannath refuses to move According to people who have attended Rath Yatra in Puri, Lord Jagannath seems to refuse moving initially when the festivity begins, no matter how many hundreds of people push from behind and pull from the front. Hera Panchami Deity had a spat with his wife, Mahalaxmi, when he came out of the Jagannath temple. On the Fifth day of the Ratha Yatra, Mahalaxmi in the form of Subarna Mahalaxmi visits Gundicha Temple and warns Jagannath to return quickly.

Read 10 interesting facts about the Rath Yatra, one of the most iconic and spiritually significant festivals in India, especially celebrated in Puri, Odisha.&nbsp;

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: 10 Interesting facts you should know

Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra is one of the most famous Hindu festivals celebrated in India. It takes place every year in Puri, Odisha. The festival is held on the second day (Dwitiya Tithi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month, a time believed to be very holy due to the growing moonlight.<h2>Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Timings, and Full Schedule</h2>When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025?&nbsp;This year, the main event of Rath Yatra will be celebrated on Friday, June 27, 2025.&nbsp;According to the Drik Panchang calendar:&nbsp;Dwitiya Tithi Starts: 1:24 PM on June 26, 2025&nbsp;Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 11:19 AM on June 27, 2025 Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: 9-Day Festival Schedule&nbsp;Event and Date<ul><li>Anavasara - June 13 – June 26</li><li>Gundicha Marjana - June 26</li><li>Rath Yatra - June 27</li><li>Hera Panchami - July 1</li><li>Bahuda Yatra - July 4</li><li>Suna Besha - July 5</li><li>Niladri Bijay - July 5</li></ul>The festival begins with the grand Rath Yatra and ends on July 5 with Niladri Bijay, which marks the return of the deities(God) to the main Jagannath Temple. ISKCON Rath Yatra 2025 – Prayagraj Event&nbsp;According to the reports, The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) branch in Prayagraj will celebrate its Rath Yatra on Sunday, (June 29).&nbsp;<ul><li>Start Time: 4:00 PM</li><li>Starting Point: Hira Halwai Crossing</li><li>Route: Through Subhash Chauraha and Hanuman Mandir, ending at KP Ground.</li></ul>President of ISKCON Prayagraj, Achyuta Mohan Das said that holding the event on a Sunday helps more people take part and receive Lord Jagannath’s blessings. Spiritual Importance of Rath Yatra&nbsp;The history of the Rath Yatra goes back to the 12th to 16th century. One popular belief is that the festival represents Lord Krishna's visit to his aunt’s house. While, another story says it was started by King Indradyumna, who built the Jagannath Temple.&nbsp;The Gajapati kings of Odisha helped to spread the festival's popularity and today it is a symbol of faith, unity, and tradition.&nbsp;What Happens During the Yatra?&nbsp;The main attraction is the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra who travel in huge beautifully decorated wooden chariots. The chariots move about 3 kilometers from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for 9 days. Important Rituals<ul><li>Rath Snana: The idols are bathed with 108 pots of holy water.</li><li>Rath Pratistha: Priests chant Vedic mantras to purify and bless the new chariots.</li><li>Rath Yatra: Devotees pull the chariots to the Gundicha Temple.</li><li>Bahuda Yatra: The return journey to the main temple after 9 days.</li><li>Niladri Bijay: Final day when the chariots are taken apart, ending the celebration.</li></ul>The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a festival but it is a grand spiritual journey celebrated with deep devotion and great enthusiasm every year. &nbsp;

The festival begins with the grand Rath Yatra and ends on July 5 with Niladri Bijay, which marks the return of the deities(God) to the main Jagannath Temple.

Jagannath Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra is one of the most famous Hindu festivals celebrated in India. It takes place every year in Puri, Odisha. The festival is held on the second day (Dwitiya Tithi) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month, a time believed to be very holy due to the growing moonlight. Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Timings, and Full Schedule When is Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025? This year, the main event of Rath Yatra will be celebrated on Friday, June 27, 2025. According to the Drik Panchang calendar: Dwitiya Tithi Starts: 1:24 PM on June 26, 2025 Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 11:19 AM on June 27, 2025 Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: 9-Day Festival Schedule Event and Date Anavasara - June 13 – June 26 Gundicha Marjana - June 26 Rath Yatra - June 27 Hera Panchami - July 1 Bahuda Yatra - July 4 Suna Besha - July 5 Niladri Bijay - July 5 The festival begins with the grand Rath Yatra and ends on July 5 with Niladri Bijay, which marks the return of the deities(God) to the main Jagannath Temple. ISKCON Rath Yatra 2025 – Prayagraj Event According to the reports, The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) branch in Prayagraj will celebrate its Rath Yatra on Sunday, (June 29). Start Time: 4:00 PM Starting Point: Hira Halwai Crossing Route: Through Subhash Chauraha and Hanuman Mandir, ending at KP Ground. President of ISKCON Prayagraj, Achyuta Mohan Das said that holding the event on a Sunday helps more people take part and receive Lord Jagannath’s blessings. Spiritual Importance of Rath Yatra The history of the Rath Yatra goes back to the 12th to 16th century. One popular belief is that the festival represents Lord Krishna's visit to his aunt’s house. While, another story says it was started by King Indradyumna, who built the Jagannath Temple. The Gajapati kings of Odisha helped to spread the festival's popularity and today it is a symbol of faith, unity, and tradition. What Happens During the Yatra? The main attraction is the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra who travel in huge beautifully decorated wooden chariots. The chariots move about 3 kilometers from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, where the deities stay for 9 days. Important Rituals Rath Snana: The idols are bathed with 108 pots of holy water. Rath Pratistha: Priests chant Vedic mantras to purify and bless the new chariots. Rath Yatra: Devotees pull the chariots to the Gundicha Temple. Bahuda Yatra: The return journey to the main temple after 9 days. Niladri Bijay: Final day when the chariots are taken apart, ending the celebration. The Jagannath Rath Yatra is not just a festival but it is a grand spiritual journey celebrated with deep devotion and great enthusiasm every year.

The festival begins with the grand Rath Yatra and ends on July 5 with Niladri Bijay, which marks the return of the deities (God) to the main Jagannath Temple.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, time, rituals, significance and more

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Significance, key events, rituals, how to watch and all details

The vibrant festival officially begins with Snana Purnima, which marks the ceremonial bathing of the deities.&nbsp;

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Rath Yatra 2025: 7 hidden mysteries of Puri’s Jagannath Temple that still baffle science and devotees

Jagannath Rath Yatra: Three dead, 10 injured after stampede near Gundicha Temple

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: 10 Interesting facts you should know

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, time, rituals, significance and more

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Significance, key events, rituals, how to watch and all details