In a distressing incident during the ‘Adapa Bije Pahandi’ ceremony following the Rath Yatra in Puri, several sevayats were injured when Lord Balabhadra’s idol fell on them. The mishap occurred on Tuesday evening as the three deities were being transferred from their chariots to the Adapa Mandap of the Gundicha temple.
The ‘Pahandi’ procession began after the completion of other rituals, with servitors gently swaying the idols towards the Adapa Mandap. However, while moving Lord Balabhadra’s idol from the Taladhwaja chariot via the temporary ramp, Charamala, it slipped and fell, causing injuries to several sevayats. The injured were promptly taken to Puri hospital for treatment. Later, Lord Balabhadra was successfully moved to the Shree Gundicha temple in “Goti Pahandi” accompanied by traditional musical rhythms.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed sorrow over the incident and wished the injured sevayats a swift recovery. He directed Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan to visit Puri immediately to take appropriate measures. Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida will also head to Puri at the Chief Minister’s request.
Former Puri MLA Jayant Kumar Sarangi and Pipili MLA Ashrit Patnaik were seen at the Puri Hospital, assessing the situation.
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