TV
Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the first servitor of Lord Jagannath, has written to the Chairman of ISKCON's Governing Body Commission Govardhan Das Prabhu, urging strict adherence to scripturally approved dates for the observance of Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra across ISKCON centers worldwide.
The letter has also been emailed to ISKCON's global headquarters in Mayapur.
The appeal comes amid concerns that many ISKCON temples and centers outside India are reportedly celebrating these sacred festivals of Lord Jagannath on dates not aligned with the traditional Hindu calendar, thereby violating Vedic and temple scriptural injunctions.
Ritual authenticity underlined
In his letter, the Gajapati Maharaja has clearly pointed out that the Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannath must be observed only on Jyestha Purnima (full moon of the Odia month Jyestha), which was on June 11 this year. Similarly, the globally celebrated Rath Yatra must be conducted on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, falling on June 27 this year.
Must Read: Discussions with ISKCON underway for Rath Yatra as per Puri Srimandir timelines: Gajapati Maharaja
To support his concern, Gajapati Maharaja has also attached online declarations from various ISKCON centers that allegedly list incorrect ritual dates. He emphasized that such deviations are not in accordance with traditional Jagannath culture and must be rectified for the integrity of the rituals.
Past discussions and scriptural guidance
Recalling a discussion held in Bhubaneswar on March 20, Gajapati Maharaja mentioned that during that meeting, Jagannath culture scholars and Srimandir administration representatives had strongly countered ISKCON’s logic for alternate dates. Gajapati Maharaja stressed that any departure from prescribed dates undermines the sanctity of these deeply revered rituals.
A call for global uniformity
Gajapati Maharaja has formally urged ISKCON's global governing leadership to ensure that no temple or center under its administration conducts Snana Yatra or Rath Yatra on dates other than those approved by scriptures. He has requested immediate action to maintain the authenticity and unity of Jagannath worship worldwide.
