Backlash over chaos at Puri Rath Yatra

The famous Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri descended into a spectacle of mismanagement and disorder on Friday, as chaos, largely caused by the overwhelming presence of cordon pass-holders, brought the chariot procession to a near standstill for hours.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

For the first time in over three decades, Nandighosh – the majestic chariot of Lord Jagannath – remained immobile until 7:45 p.m., barely moving a few symbolic metres. What should have been a moment of spiritual grandeur turned into a near disaster, with the state government drawing sharp criticism from devotees, civil society, and opposition leaders alike.

While the rituals were reportedly completed almost on time, what followed was a shocking breakdown in management.

Taladhwaja, the chariot of Lord Balabhadra, led the procession but moved in a disorderly and erratic manner, causing delays that snowballed across the sequence. Devi Subhadra's chariot was held back, and Nandighosh stood unmoving for hours. The overcrowded inner cordon choked the system and completely disrupted the pulling of the chariots.

Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan attempted to downplay the fiasco, saying, "The crowd was multiple times more than our estimates," and suggesting "the will of the Lord."