Several people injured in stampede at "naked festival" in Japan

In the Japanese city of Okayama, an incident occurred during the traditional "naked festival" resulting in six men being hospitalized, three of whom were unconscious.

As reported by BAKU.WS citing NHK, the incident was recorded on the evening of February 21 around 10:00 PM local time at Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple. According to police, the victims sustained injuries in a stampede during the climax of the annual ritual.

This refers to the famous Saidaiji Eyo festival, which traditionally attracts thousands of participants. Men, dressed only in loincloths, engage in fierce competition for the sacred wooden sticks called "shingi." It is believed that whoever manages to obtain them will gain luck and prosperity for the entire year.

According to preliminary information, the injuries were sustained after the sticks were thrown into the crowd, which caused a severe stampede. Six people were taken to hospitals, three of whom were unconscious at the time of hospitalization. The condition of the injured is being clarified. This year, according to organizers' estimates, approximately 10,000 people participated in the event. Law enforcement authorities continue to investigate the details of what happened.

Earlier, according to Indian officials, mass disturbances also occurred in the state of Uttar Pradesh. There, a charitable ceremony for the simultaneous wedding of 383 underprivileged couples ended in a brawl among the guests. After the official part, the organizers offered refreshments, including bags of chips, however the food distribution provoked chaos. People began snatching boxes and hiding products under their clothing, resulting in several people sustaining serious injuries.