SJTA Seeks Presidential and Prime Ministerial Support to Align Iskcon Rath Yatra Dates with Puri's Schedule
SJTA to meet Prez, PM in bid to stop Iskcon from holding untimely raths abroad
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) plans to meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urge Iskcon to hold Rath Yatra celebrations on the same dates as in Puri. This follows ongoing concerns about deviations from traditional observances abroad.
- 01The SJTA delegation will meet with President Murmu and PM Modi after the Niladri Bije festival on July 27.
- 02Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb expressed strong discontent over Iskcon's untimely Rath Yatra celebrations abroad.
- 03The SJTA aims to ensure that Iskcon's observances align with the Puri temple's official calendar.
- 04Previously, the SJTA successfully aligned Rath Yatra dates for temples in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
- 05Iskcon cited practical challenges in aligning dates, including difficulties in obtaining necessary permissions abroad.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) is preparing to meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address concerns regarding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) holding Rath Yatra celebrations abroad on dates that do not coincide with those in Puri, Odisha. This decision follows a meeting chaired by Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, where committee members voiced their displeasure over Iskcon's actions despite previous appeals. The SJTA intends to persuade Iskcon to synchronize its celebrations with the Puri temple's calendar, which is considered the principal abode of Lord Jagannath. They have previously succeeded in aligning Rath Yatra dates for temples in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. The Gajapati has also reached out to foreign governments through diplomatic channels to ensure adherence to traditional observances. Iskcon, however, has cited practical challenges in securing permissions for processions in foreign countries, where Jagannath devotees are often a minority.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The alignment of Rath Yatra dates could strengthen the cultural ties of the Odia diaspora and ensure traditional observances are respected.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think Iskcon should align its Rath Yatra dates with those of Puri?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


