Suicides by devotees under wheels of Raths, cholera were seen in past during Ratha Yatra at Puri

The incidence of suicide by devotees by either jumping from a pinnacle or lying themselves under the wheels of chariots have been referred to in many writings

Puri Rath Yatra

Two recurring themes in the writings of the colonial administrators are the incidence of religious suicide by devotes and incidence of cholera as a result of massive congregation during Ratha Yatra. 

The incidence of suicide by devotees by either jumping from a pinnacle or lying themselves under the wheels of chariots have been referred to in many writings. Robert Sathe in 1809 AD in the poem, writes: