Tradition vs. Timing: The Rath Yatra Controversy in the US

Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb of Puri requests ISKCON to adhere to traditional timings for the Rath Yatra in the US. Deb insists on sacred scriptures' dates for Snan and Rath Yatra festivals, receiving state support for this stance against ISKCON's November schedule.

In an appeal to religious tradition, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb of Puri has called on ISKCON's Houston unit to reconsider the scheduling of the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. The Puri king insists on following the dates set by sacred scriptures and traditions, advocating for observance on religiously sanctioned dates.

The call comes amidst growing concern over ISKCON's plans to conduct the Snan Yatra on November 3 and the Rath Yatra on November 9—a schedule departing from the traditional timings observed in Puri. The Odisha Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, has expressed state support, underscoring the importance of adhering to established customs and highlighting complaints from various socio-cultural groups.

ISKCON's Houston unit claims their festivals follow ancient devotional traditions, but they face mounting pressure from the Puri Jagannath temple authorities and devotees worldwide. This clash highlights deeper tensions between local traditions and global practices within religious communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)