Key meeting held amidst row over untimely Rath Yatra by ISKCON

A crucial meeting to address the ongoing controversy over unseasonal Rath Yatra was held on Thursday at the State Guest House in Bhubaneswar. The key meeting, led by Gajapati Maharaj, included senior functionaries from the Mayapur International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) headquarters.

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Previously, a significant meeting also took place in Gajapati Maharaj’s palace regarding this contentious issue. Attendees included Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, the SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, alongside Administrator (Neeti) Jitendra Sahoo, ISKCON's governing body commissioner chairman Guru Prasad Swami Maharaj, and other prominent members of the organisation.

During those discussions, Srimandir's representatives expressed firmly to ISKCON officials that the traditional and scripturally defined time for Rath Yatra of the Holy Trinity is from the second to the tenth day of the lunar fortnight of Asadha. It was stressed that it is vital to respect these dates, maintaining fidelity to the religious tradition.

Backlash from Odisha government and devotees

Earlier, Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) condemned the event as a violation of scriptural traditions. Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan warned of legal consequences, while senior servitors called for a boycott of ISKCON. Critics argued the event undermined age-old rituals tied to specific lunar calendar dates.

Calls for dialogue and resolution

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged an amicable resolution, while ISKCON Houston stated plans to discuss the matter with Puri officials next month. Odisha’s government reaffirmed support for SJTA’s decisions, leaving room for negotiated solutions.

ISKCON's controversial Houston event

Despite announcing the cancellation of an untimely Rath Yatra scheduled for November 9 last year, ISKCON Houston proceeded with a 'Festival of Bliss' on November 10, featuring a replica of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosha chariot without deities. The event replaced the Rath Yatra with a Sankirtan Yatra but retained chariot processions, sparking outrage among traditionalists.

Legal and institutional repercussions

Puri’s temple administration threatened to pursue legal action if ISKCON’s March 2025 governing body meeting fails to pass a resolution aligning global Rath Yatras with traditional dates. The SJTA also plans to engage ISKCON India to enforce compliance.

Must Read: Puri Gajapati Maharaja writes letters to ISKCON, asks to postpone Nov 9 Rath Yatra

Tradition vs. outreach debate

ISKCON defended the event as a way to spread devotion globally, emphasising Darshan (sacred viewing) for international devotees. Opponents, including Odisha Cultural Center Houston, stressed adherence to Puri’s calendar, fearing fragmentation of rituals. The dispute highlights tensions between cultural preservation and evangelisation.