The heavy rush led to congestion along the procession route, triggering panic among devotees as movement came to a halt at several points on the Grand Road.
According to officials, more than 120 devotees experienced breathing difficulties due to overcrowding and suffocation. Medical teams stationed along the route immediately rushed to assist those affected.
The devotees were administered first aid at temporary medical camps, while those requiring additional treatment were shifted to nearby hospitals. Officials said most of the affected persons were reported to be in stable condition.
Security personnel, volunteers and emergency response teams were deployed to regulate the crowd and ease congestion after the incident. Authorities also created additional passageways to facilitate the movement of devotees and emergency vehicles.
The Rath Yatra, one of India's largest religious gatherings, attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad every year. Managing the massive crowds remains a major logistical challenge for the administration.
Officials said the situation was brought under control after crowd management measures were intensified. The administration has urged devotees to follow police advisories and avoid overcrowded stretches of the Grand Road to ensure a safe pilgrimage.
Further details are awaited as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
