Overview
- The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra began on Thursday, July 16, with the Pahandi Bije and chariot pulling delayed by heavy rain and ritual timing, and the three chariots reached the Gundicha Temple on Friday.
- Odisha officials estimate turnout at about 8–9 lakh devotees and deployed layered security, medical teams and hundreds of CCTV cameras to manage the crowds.
- The Chief Minister's Office confirmed two devotees died after falling ill during the procession and said seven people were taken to hospitals for treatment while the exact causes are being ascertained.
- Temple administrators explained the ornate Tahia was removed because it became waterlogged and too heavy to carry safely, and they and the government denied that a stampede occurred.
- Opposition leaders have criticised crowd management and ritual changes, making the festival's remaining rites and the July 24 Bahuda Yatra subject to heightened scrutiny and ongoing official review.