Untimely Rath Yatra: ISKCON must respect tradition, warns Odisha Law Minister

Following Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb’s recent letter regarding the untimely rolling out of chariots (Rath Yatra) by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan warned the religious body on Wednesday.

Also Read: Puri Gajapati writes to ISKCON, seeks adherence to traditional Rath Yatra dates

Gajapati Maharaja’s letter clearly outlines the rules and protocols for conducting Rath Yatra, stressing that Lord Jagannath’s traditions must not be violated anywhere in the world.

Minister Harichandan hopes that this letter will spark a revival of reverence and discipline among ISKCON authorities, fostering a new awakening of devotion and consciousness.

The Law Minister added that the State government and devotees of Jagannath culture are now awaiting ISKCON’s official response to the letter. In case the guidelines are not strictly followed, legal action will be taken against those responsible.

The situation highlights the importance of respecting cultural and religious traditions during such significant festivals.

“With utmost clarity and precision, the Chairman of Jagannath Temple managing committee and Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb has written a letter to ISKCON authorities. He has mentioned in it how the rituals of the Lords should be observed,” the Minister said.

“I hope this will help arouse the consciousness and thought process of ISKCON authorities and they will abide by the temple traditions and perform the rituals accordingly. At least, no scope will be given to let the deities’ traditions be violated,” the Minister stated.

“If the situation warrants, we will resort to legal action,” the Minister added.

Worth mentioning, the Gajapati Maharaja urged the ISKCON Governing Body yesterday to strictly adhere to scriptural traditions and conduct Rath Yatra only during the nine-day auspicious period commencing on Asadha Shukla-paksha Dwitiya Tithi each year.

The latter reportedly agreed to observe the Snana Yatra on Jyestha Purnima but refused to celebrate the Rath Yatra on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya tithi that conforms to the traditional date prescribed in holy scriptures of the 12th-century Vaishnavite shrine.

Reported By: Santosh