ISKCON’s untimely Rath Yatra: Gajapati Maharaja calls to follow Puri Jagannath Temple traditions

Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb, expressed deep concern on Sunday over the conduct of untimely Rath Yatra celebrations (rolling out of chariots) by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in different parts of India and abroad.

Also Read: Global conclave in Odisha’s Puri to address unseasonal Rath Yatra celebrations

The first and foremost servitor (Pratham Sevak) of the Lords stated that such practices go against established religious directives and scriptures.

Speaking during the global spiritual conclave organised by Shree Jagannath Chintan and Chetana Worldwide Organisation in Puri pilgrimage town, he emphasised that Lord Jagannath cannot be taken out in procession throughout the year at will.

The Gajapati Maharaja noted that Rath Yatra is a highly sacred and scripturally governed ritual, permitted only under specific instructions.

According to tradition, the nine-day-long Rath Yatra is ordained to begin on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month. Any deviation from this, he said, reflects a lack of understanding of the seriousness and sanctity of the ritual.

The Pratham Sevak stressed that true devotees must follow divine instructions rather than personal interpretations.

Citing the ancient scriptures authored by Maharshi Ved Vyasa, the Gajapati reiterated that Lord Jagannath is allowed to come out only twice a year, strictly as per divine command. Without such instruction, no authority has the right to conduct such rituals.

Worth mentioning, the global spiritual conclave aimed at curbing the practice of holding unseasonal Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha and outside began on Friday. The gathering has been organised to deliberate on concerns surrounding the sanctity and traditional observance of the sacred festival by violating the temple traditions.

The three-day spiritual and awareness-oriented conclave was formally inaugurated earlier by Jagadguru Shankaracharya in Puri, Swami Nischalananda Saraswati. The event focuses on spreading awareness and building consensus on how Jagannath Temple traditions should be preserved amid increasing global participation and diaspora-led celebrations.

Delegates from around 53 countries are taking part in the global conclave, reflecting the worldwide devotion to Lord Jagannath and Sanatan culture. Several Non-Resident Odias have also joined the discussions, sharing perspectives from their respective countries.

The Gajapati Maharaja attended the valedictory session, underscoring the importance of the discussions and their cultural significance. The event is to conclude today.