Balasore (Odisha), May 15 — At least 20 pilgrims from Bengaluru fell ill and were hospitalised on Wednesday night while en route to Puri, Odisha, as part of a 24-day religious journey, police confirmed.
The incident occurred in Balasore district after the group stopped in Soro for dinner. The pilgrims, who had cooked rice, sambar, and curry themselves, began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and dysentery shortly after the meal.
"Around 50 pilgrims had started their journey on April 26. On their way from Gaya to Puri, they stopped at Soro and had dinner. By late night, nearly 20 of them showed signs of food-related illness and were admitted to the government hospital in Soro," a police official stated.
Medical staff at the hospital reported that all affected individuals are in stable condition. Preliminary assessments by doctors suggest the extreme heat conditions prevailing in the region could have contributed to the illness.
The pilgrims are expected to continue their journey after recovery.