Resentment brews over untimely ‘Rath Yatra’ in Nuapada, outfit seeks action

Members of the Shree Jagannath Sanskriti Parishad met Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday to express their opposition to the untimely pulling of the Holy Trinity’s chariots three days ago in Konabira village under Komna block of Nuapada district.

The Parishad had previously opposed the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)'s efforts to organise an untimely Rath Yatra. The members requested the Law Minister to take appropriate steps to prevent the rolling out of the deities’ chariots, which is against Puri Srimandir culture and traditions.

Also Read: Chariot of Holy Trinity rolls out untimely in Nuapada, triggers resentment

In response, the Law Minister assured that he would discuss with the temple administration regarding this. “We will take appropriate steps to stop the untimely rolling out of chariots from the coming year and ensure such ‘Rath Yatras’ would not take place at any place and at any time at least in Odisha,” Law Minister Harichandan said mediapersons.

“The sibling deities were taken out on a chariot in a village under Komna block. However, a specific day has been mentioned in Skandha Purana to hold Rath Yatra. We requested the Law Minister to stop any untimely rolling out of chariots in the future,” president of the outfit, Sanchita Mohanty expressed.

Must Read: Will ask ISKCON not to deviate from Rath Yatra rituals, dates: Odisha Law Minister

Meanwhile, a 10-member team of the Parishad has scheduled a visit to the village in Komna and will meet the District Collector to hand over a memorandum.

Worth mentioning, following the recent Rath Yatra conducted by the ISKCON in Houston city of US on November 9, an organising committee of Konabira village arranged the Rath Yatra. A chariot with Lord Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Lord Balabhadra was pulled by the locals from Puruna Basti up to Nua Basti in the village.