Bhubaneswar, November 5: In the ongoing debate over the planned Rath Yatra celebration by ISKCON in Houston on November 9, Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb has reiterated his appeal to the ISKCON organization to refrain from hosting Rath Yatra or any related festivals outside the prescribed religious guidelines.
Speaking at a press conference, the Puri King emphasized that festivals linked to Lord Jagannath should align with traditional timings and Shastric injunctions.
The King acknowledged ISKCON's decision to cancel the proposed Snana Yatra in Houston on November 3, respecting devotees' sentiments. However, he expressed disappointment that ISKCON has not yet canceled the November 9 Rath Yatra, and preparations for the event continue. Additionally, he noted that ISKCON is planning another Rath Yatra in Nigeria later this month.
The Puri King said that the ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC) would address the matter at their March meeting, where he hopes for an amicable resolution respecting religious traditions and scriptures. He warned that if no resolution is reached, legal action might be considered, stating, "If they don't accept, 'enough is enough.'"
According to tradition, Lord Jagannath’s idols should leave the temple only for the annual Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra. This is explicitly stated in the Skanda Purana, with Lord Jagannath's own directives. The King condemned ISKCON's untimely Ratha Yatras, calling them "Prachar Jatras" (promotional festivals), which he argued are inconsistent with the core values of Hindu Shastras and temple tradition.
Despite previous discussions, ISKCON has continued to hold untimely Rath Yatras globally since 1969, though they ceased organizing them within India in 2021.
