Overview
- The Pahandi ritual and formal chariot processions began in Puri on July 16 when the deities were taken to the three newly prepared chariots for the nine-day Jagannath Rath Yatra.
- Heavy monsoon showers and water‑logging affected the Grand Road, with the India Meteorological Department reporting substantial recent rainfall that officials said complicated drainage and movement.
- Odisha deployed extensive security and logistics for the event, including about 13,000 police personnel, 15 CAPF companies, hundreds of CCTV cameras, mobile towers and dedicated command centres to manage crowds and communications.
- Multiple outlets reported a stampede-like crowd surge during the procession that caused fatalities and nearly 100 people to be hospitalized, and emergency teams carried out stretcher evacuations and medical treatment.
- Local Rath Yatras continued in cities such as Hyderabad and Ranchi while authorities remained engaged in rescue, medical care and crowd control as the festival proceeds toward its scheduled return rituals later this week.