The titular king of Puri and Chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, has urged International Society for Krishna Consciousness to organise Rath Yatra only on dates prescribed in Hindu scriptures. In a letter addressed to the organisation's Governing Body Commission, he said celebrations conducted on arbitrary dates have hurt the religious sentiments of devotees and departed from long-established traditions.

The appeal comes ahead of the annual Rath Yatra in Puri, scheduled for July 16, one of Hinduism's most significant religious festivals.

Letter To ISKCON

According to temple authorities, Dibyasingha Deb wrote to ISKCON's Governing Body Commission Chairman, Shri Madhusevita Das Prabhu, at Mayapur, requesting a review of the organisation's October 2025 decision permitting Rath Yatras to be held on different dates across various countries.

The letter states that, under the Hindu calendar, Rath Yatra is observed annually on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya and should not be shifted for convenience or local scheduling.

Global Celebrations Cited

The objection follows several Rath Yatra processions organised by ISKCON outside India before the official Puri festival.

Temple authorities referred to recent events held in Nairobi, London, New York City and Sydney, arguing that these celebrations took place well before the scripturally prescribed date. They also submitted a list of Snana Yatra celebrations allegedly conducted on dates other than Jyeshtha Purnima.

According to the temple administration, such deviations create confusion among devotees and dilute traditional religious practices.

Concerns Over MP Events

The Puri temple administration also objected to ISKCON Ujjain's reported proposal to organise Rath Yatras at 66 locations across Madhya Pradesh between July 16 and July 25.

Deb maintained that Rath Yatra is traditionally observed as a nine-day festival beginning on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, as described in the Skanda Purana. He said scriptural traditions should remain the guiding principle for all celebrations associated with Lord Jagannath.

ISKCON Explains Position

Responding to similar concerns raised previously, ISKCON has maintained that conducting Rath Yatra on the exact traditional date is not always feasible outside India.

The organisation has cited factors including local weather conditions, government regulations, logistical requirements and cultural circumstances that may affect public religious processions in different countries. ISKCON has said these practical considerations sometimes require festivals to be organised on alternative dates while preserving their spiritual significance.

Preparations Continue In Puri

Meanwhile, preparations for the main Rath Yatra in Puri are in the final phase.

Around 220 carpenters, assistants and painters are working to complete the construction and decoration of the three ceremonial chariots that will carry Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra during the annual procession. Thousands of devotees are expected to gather in Puri for the festival on July 16 under elaborate security and administrative arrangements.

The disagreement over Rath Yatra dates has surfaced in previous years, with similar concerns raised by the Puri temple administration in 2024 and 2025. The issue has gained renewed attention after multiple overseas processions were organised before the official Puri festival this year.