At least one person was killed, and around 100 devotees were reportedly injured after a temporary crowd surge led to a stampede-like situation during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in India's eastern city of Puri on Thursday, according to local media reports.&nbsp;The incident in Odisha took place on Bada Danda, also known as the Grand Road, where lakhs of devotees had gathered to witness the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra being pulled through the city, the reports said. Some reports&nbsp;&nbsp;Visuals from the spot showed security personnel helping injured and unwell devotees out of the crowd for medical treatment while also trying to disperse people to ease congestion.&nbsp;Reacting to the incident, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the death and urged the state government to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees through effective crowd management.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ରଥଯାତ୍ରା ସମୟରେ ବଡ଼ଦାଣ୍ଡର ଭିଡ଼ରେ ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାଳୁଙ୍କ ପ୍ରାଣହାନୀ ହୋଇଥିବା ଖବର ପାଇ ମୁଁ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଦୁଃଖିତ। ପ୍ରାଣ ହରାଇଥିବା ଶ୍ରଦ୍ଧାଳୁଙ୍କ ଅମର ଆତ୍ମାର ସଦଗତି ସହ ଆହତ ହୋଇଥିବା ଶତାଧିକ ଭକ୍ତଙ୍କ ଆଶୁଆରୋଗ୍ୟ କାମନା କରୁଛି। ଏପରି ଦୁଃଖଦ ସମୟରେ ସଭିଙ୍କ ସହାୟତା ପାଇଁ ବିଜୁ ଜନତା ଦଳର ସମସ୍ତ କର୍ମୀ ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସହଯୋଗ ଯୋଗାଇ ଦେବେ। ମୁଁ…&mdash; Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) <a href="https://x.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/2077735916584706222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of lives among devotees in the stampede at Badadanda during Rath Yatra. I pray for the eternal peace of the souls of the devotees who have lost their lives and for the swift recovery of the more than a hundred injured devotees. In this hour of grief, all workers of the Biju Janata Dal will extend their full cooperation to provide assistance to everyone. I hope that the state government will ensure the convenience and safety of the devotees by properly managing the crowds," Patnaik wrote on X.&nbsp;The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's largest religious gatherings and attracts lakhs of pilgrims from across the country and abroad every year.&nbsp;A similar stampede had occurred during the Puri Rath Yatra last year because of crowd mismanagement, infrastructure lapses and logistical disruptions. Three people were killed, and more than 50 others were injured in that incident.

One person is feared dead, and around 200 devotees were reportedly injured after a crowd surge triggered a stampede-like situation during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri, according to local media reports.

At least one person was killed, and around 100 devotees were reportedly injured after a temporary crowd surge led to a stampede-like situation during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in India's eastern city of Puri on Thursday, according to local media reports. The incident in Odisha took place on Bada Danda, also known as the Grand Road, where lakhs of devotees had gathered to witness the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra being pulled through the city, the reports said. Some reports Visuals from the spot showed security personnel helping injured and unwell devotees out of the crowd for medical treatment while also trying to disperse people to ease congestion. Reacting to the incident, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed grief over the death and urged the state government to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees through effective crowd management.

One person is feared dead, and around 100 devotees were reportedly injured after a crowd surge triggered a stampede-like situation during the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri, according to local media reports.

Stampede-like situation during India's Puri Rath Yatra festival: One feared dead, say reports

When travellers think of dense, river-bound rainforests, South America usually comes to mind. However, tucked away in the Kendrapada district of Odisha lies Bhitarkanika National Park. This vast wetland is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. Featuring a massive network of winding creeks and dark tidal waters, it offers a raw wildlife experience far removed from standard safari parks. Here is exactly why this dense forest is widely known as India's Mini Amazon.<h2>A complex network of estuarine rivers</h2>The primary reason behind the nickname is the distinct geography of the region. Much like the actual Amazon basin, Bhitarkanika is completely defined by its water systems. The forest sits at the estuarial meeting point of the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers. These rivers fracture into countless smaller creeks and canals that weave through the thick mangrove foliage. The only way to truly explore the deep interior of this sanctuary is by taking a local wooden boat ride through these winding waterways, giving it a distinct jungle expedition feel.<h2>The domain of the saltwater crocodile</h2>The Amazon has the caiman, but Bhitarkanika is ruled by the apex saltwater crocodile. According to recent wildlife census data, the park holds the world's largest congregation of these massive reptiles, with over 1,800 recorded individuals. Visitors taking boat safaris frequently spot crocodiles, some measuring over 15 feet, basking on the exposed mudflats. The muddy banks and tidal waters provide the perfect breeding ground for these predators, cementing the park's reputation as a wild and untamed environment.<h2>A unique avian and mangrove ecosystem</h2>The dense canopy above the waterways is just as active as the rivers below. The park contains over 90 different species of mangroves, creating a thick green tunnel over the creeks. This environment supports a massive variety of birdlife, including an incredibly rare concentration of eight different kingfisher species. During the winter months, the Bagagahana heronry becomes a major nesting site for over a lakh migratory birds visiting from Europe and Central Asia, adding immense ecological value to the region.&nbsp;Reaching this remote ecosystem requires a 150-kilometre drive from Bhubaneswar, followed by a boat ride from the Gupti or Khola entry points. Government-run nature camps offer safe overnight stays starting at roughly Rs 5,500. For the best weather and wildlife visibility, plan your visit between October and March.

Located in Odisha, Bhitarkanika National Park is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. Navigated entirely by boat, this vast network of rivers and creeks is home to over 1,800 saltwater crocodiles and eight kingfisher species, earning it the title of India's Mini Amazon.


When travellers think of dense, river-bound rainforests, South America usually comes to mind. However, tucked away in the Kendrapada district of Odisha lies Bhitarkanika National Park. This vast wetland is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. Featuring a massive network of winding creeks and dark tidal waters, it offers a raw wildlife experience far removed from standard safari parks. Here is exactly why this dense forest is widely known as India's Mini Amazon. A complex network of estuarine rivers The primary reason behind the nickname is the distinct geography of the region. Much like the actual Amazon basin, Bhitarkanika is completely defined by its water systems. The forest sits at the estuarial meeting point of the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers. These rivers fracture into countless smaller creeks and canals that weave through the thick mangrove foliage. The only way to truly explore the deep interior of this sanctuary is by taking a local wooden boat ride through these winding waterways, giving it a distinct jungle expedition feel. The domain of the saltwater crocodile The Amazon has the caiman, but Bhitarkanika is ruled by the apex saltwater crocodile. According to recent wildlife census data, the park holds the world's largest congregation of these massive reptiles, with over 1,800 recorded individuals. Visitors taking boat safaris frequently spot crocodiles, some measuring over 15 feet, basking on the exposed mudflats. The muddy banks and tidal waters provide the perfect breeding ground for these predators, cementing the park's reputation as a wild and untamed environment. A unique avian and mangrove ecosystem The dense canopy above the waterways is just as active as the rivers below. The park contains over 90 different species of mangroves, creating a thick green tunnel over the creeks. This environment supports a massive variety of birdlife, including an incredibly rare concentration of eight different kingfisher species. During the winter months, the Bagagahana heronry becomes a major nesting site for over a lakh migratory birds visiting from Europe and Central Asia, adding immense ecological value to the region. Reaching this remote ecosystem requires a 150-kilometre drive from Bhubaneswar, followed by a boat ride from the Gupti or Khola entry points. Government-run nature camps offer safe overnight stays starting at roughly Rs 5,500. For the best weather and wildlife visibility, plan your visit between October and March.

Located in Odisha, Bhitarkanika National Park is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. Navigated entirely by boat, this vast network of rivers and creeks is home to over 1,800 saltwater crocodiles and eight kingfisher species, earning it the title of India's Mini Amazon.

Why is this forest called India's Mini Amazon?

Witness the glory of a bygone era on 'Discovering Odisha, India's Best Kept Secret'.

Discovering Odisha: A treasure trove of history

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Stampede-like situation during India's Puri Rath Yatra festival: One feared dead, say reports

Why is this forest called India's Mini Amazon?

Discovering Odisha: A treasure trove of history