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A social media post by the ISKCON authorities Photograph: (OTV (File))
Despite repeated objections, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) authorities reportedly continue to organise unseasonal Rath Yatra, prompting renewed outrage among Jagannath devotees worldwide, sources said on Tuesday.
Also Read: Puri Gajapati Maharaja issues stern warning to ISKCON over untimely Rath Yatra
After conducting similar processions earlier, ISKCON has again come under fire for allegedly holding Rath Yatra celebrations in Nigeria and Taiwan, outside the traditional schedule followed in the world-famous Puri Jagannath temple, Odisha.
On November 23, social media posts showing ISKCON Nigeria conducting a Rath Yatra led to widespread protests. The organisation Shree Jagannath Chaitanya and Chetana Worldwide has written to the ISKCON head in Nigeria, questioning why the divine festival was being celebrated in the month of Kartika when the sacred Rath Yatra is traditionally observed only on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha.
The letter warns that breaking tradition for convenience could set a harmful precedent for future generations, gradually eroding the sanctity and discipline associated with the festival. It further states that such off-date celebrations disturb the religious sentiments of millions of Jagannath devotees and may trigger social unrest.
The group has urged ISKCON to reconsider its decision and prioritise the “highest spiritual interests” of Lord Jagannath. Earlier too, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had sternly warned ISKCON Mayapuri to refrain from conducting Rath Yatra on incorrect dates. Yet, ISKCON continues to hold unseasonal celebrations in various countries.
No official response has been issued by ISKCON regarding the concerns so far.
Worth mentioning, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had issued a strong message in September this year to the ISKCON over its continued ‘defiance’ of established traditions by organising untimely Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra events, both in India and abroad.