Jagannatha Temple Chief Urges ISKCON Houston to Observe Traditions

Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, Chairman of Puri's Jagannatha Temple, has called on ISKCON Houston to reschedule its 'Rath Yatra' and 'Snana Yatra' to align with Hindu scriptures. ISKCON centers globally, including in Nigeria, have been requested to honor traditional dates, reflecting growing concerns over deviations.

The Chairman of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Managing Committee in Puri, Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, has reached out to the President of ISKCON Temple in Houston, HG Saranga Thakur Dasa, urging the group to celebrate key festivals—'Rath Yatra' and 'Snana Yatra'—on dates that align with Hindu scriptural traditions.

In a letter, Maharaj pointed out that ISKCON Houston plans to hold the 'Snana Yatra' on November 3 and 'Rath Yatra' on November 9, dates he claims contradict scriptural guidance. He emphasized the expectation that ISKCON devotees adhere to the Vaishnava tradition and requested a change in dates.

Gajapati Maharaj also contacted the Chairman of ISKCON's Governing Body in India, urging global adherence to traditional tithis. He cited past ISKCON resolutions and raised concerns about centers outside India, such as Nigeria, scheduling events on conflicting dates, potentially affecting devotees' sentiments worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)