Gajapati Maharaja Rebukes ISKCON Over Untimely Rath Yatra Celebrations

BHUBANESWAR: The Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb, has expressed strong disapproval of ISKCON’s reluctance to align its international Rath Yatra celebrations with the traditional schedule followed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. In a letter sent on Tuesday, the royal head urged the organisation to strictly adhere to sacred scriptures and temple customs. The controversy arises as ISKCON continues to host some of its overseas Rath Yatras outside the prescribed Asadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya ‘tithi’ period.

ISKCON Rath Yatra Schedule Dispute

The Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, under the guidance of Gajapati Maharaja, had submitted a detailed report in September, prepared by Srimandir scholars, explaining the religious necessity of celebrating Rath Yatra worldwide according to the Puri temple’s timetable. The report highlighted that the festival, spanning nine days from Asadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya, should be observed globally in unison to maintain its sanctity.

ISKCON Cites Practical Challenges for International Festivals

In response, ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC) chairman Govardhan Dasa stated that Western regulations allow processions mainly on weekends to prevent disruption of urban activities. He also noted professional commitments of volunteers, lack of chariots in some cities, and unfavorable winter conditions as reasons for the deviation from Puri’s schedule. “We should celebrate Rath Yatra when circumstances are most favorable to enhance the worship of Lord Jagannath,” Dasa said.

Gajapati Maharaja Provides Conditional Guidance for ISKCON Rath Yatra Schedule

Acknowledging ISKCON’s concerns, Gajapati Maharaja clarified that overseas Rath Yatras may be conducted on weekends within the auspicious nine-day period starting from Asadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya, but never outside this timeframe. He emphasized that untimely celebrations could confuse devotees and undermine the festival’s sanctity. Maharaja cited other global festivals like Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Diwali, which are observed strictly according to their traditional ‘tithis’.

Gajapati Calls on ISKCON to Reconsider Its Position

In his letter, the Puri royal stated, “There can be no valid justification for celebrating Rath Yatra—Lord Jagannath’s greatest festival—on any random day of the year for logistical or climatic reasons.” He requested ISKCON to revisit its decision and ensure that all global celebrations fall within the designated nine-day period, respecting the age-old traditions of Srimandir.

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