Rath Yatra: Resentment brews over untimely rolling out of chariot by ISKCON in US

A large number of Jagannath culture followers from across the world strongly resented the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)’s plan to hold an untimely Rath Yatra of the Holy Trinity in Houston city of US coming November 9.

According to a source, the ISKCON authorities had previously cancelled their schedule of holding Snana Yatra on November 3. However, preparations are underway to roll out the deities’ chariot and the Houston branch of the religious body has been giving it the finishing touch.

Recently, Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had written a letter in this regard to the Houston branch of ISKCON. The Gajapati decried their decision and also advised the authorities not to hold untimely Rath Yatra at a time other than the tradition of Puri Srimandir.

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“Jagannath culture is closely related to typical rituals of the Lords. Especially, emotions of crores of devotees are associated with Rath Yatra. ISKCON authorities have been exhibiting double standards, which is not at all acceptable. Nobody is compelling them to follow Jagannath culture. However, they are bound to follow the age-old traditions. If they will not respect the temple’s traditions, even a growing demand to bar ISKCON can be accepted,” a senior servitor of the Puri Srimandir and former member of its managing committee Durga Das Mahapatra rued.

“ISKCON authorities are planning to roll out the chariot, which is not desirable. Any deviation from the temple’s traditions is not acceptable. I would appeal the authorities to respect Jagannath culture and traditions,” secretary of New Delhi Jagannath temple Rabindranath Pradhan stated.

“We strongly oppose ISKCON’s plan to untimely hold Rath Yatra in America. This step will certainly destroy our culture and traditions,” Keonjhar Jagannath temple servitor Anand Khandei said.