In a significant move to uphold the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s rituals, Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb has formally addressed the ISKCON Governing Body Commission regarding the observance of Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra on non-sanctioned dates in ISKCON temples across the world.
In a letter dated June 15, 2025, the Gajapati Maharaja expressed concerns over ISKCON temples deviating from shastra-approved dates for Jagannath’s Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra. He cited instances where temples outside India have observed these sacred festivals on dates that do not align with traditional Hindu scriptures, branding such practices as “completely against the shastra.”
The royal custodian of Puri’s Jagannath Temple highlighted that, during a discussion in Bhubaneswar on March 20, 2025, scholars and temple administrators emphasised the necessity of following the correct festival dates as outlined in Hindu scriptures.
According to the traditional calendar:
- Snana Yatra must be observed on Jyestha Purnima (June 11, 2025).
- Rath Yatra (Sri Gundicha Yatra & Bahuda Yatra) should occur between Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (June 27, 2025) and Ashadha Shukla Dashami (July 5, 2025)**.
Deviation from this schedule, he warned, would result in violating the sanctity of Jagannath tradition and Hindu religious scriptures.
The Puri Gapjapati Maharaja further stated that temple researchers would soon send comprehensive shastra-backed recommendations to ISKCON leadership for corrective action.
The Gajapati Maharaja’s letter specifically addresses ISKCON Governing Body Commission Chairman Sri Govardhan Das Prabhu, urging him to ensure that ISKCON centres worldwide adhere to the correct dates. Given ISKCON’s global influence, standardising Rath Yatra observances per shastra-endorsed dates could significantly impact Lord Jagannath devotees worldwide.
As the controversy unfolds, religious scholars and devotees alike await ISKCON’s response.
Will the organisation adjust its festival dates to align with Hindu scriptures, or will the debate over Jagannath’s Rath Yatra timing continue?
Stay tuned for further updates.
