Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb of Puri has written to ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC), expressing concern over the organisation’s untimely observance of Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra across various cities in India and abroad.
In his detailed communication, the Gajapati Maharaja emphasised that sacred festivals like Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra must be celebrated strictly according to prescribed Tithis and not on arbitrary dates. He urged ISKCON temples worldwide to adhere to Jyestha Poornima for Snana Yatra and Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya for Ratha Yatra, as per Jagannath tradition.
The Maharaja cited scriptural authority and the final opinion of Shree Jagannatha Temple scholars, approved by the Temple Managing Committee, which prohibits altering the festival dates under any circumstance. He reminded ISKCON that the sanctity of these rituals lies in their alignment with the original calendar and spiritual prescriptions.
He also noted that ISKCON temples in India and abroad have continued to hold untimely celebrations, violating the traditional norms. The letter requested the GBC to reconsider its 2025 decision and ensure uniform observance of these festivals worldwide within the prescribed nine-day period.
The communication reflects the Gajapati’s ongoing efforts to preserve the sanctity and global uniformity of Jagannath culture and rituals.
