Puri: Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON Bangalore has announced that it will observe the Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra across its centres worldwide during the nine-day period prescribed by the ‘Moola Peetha’ of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, describing the move as an effort to foster greater unity among institutions working for the promotion of Sanatana Dharma.
The announcement was made in a letter addressed to Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, chairman of the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC), by ISKCON Bangalore chairman and Governing Body Commission chairman Madhu Pandit Dasa. The organisation said it would also observe the Snana Yatra rituals on the prescribed tithi in accordance with traditional practices.
The letter was issued in response to a communication dated April 21, 2026, from the Gajapati Maharaja regarding the observance of the Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra. It praised the Gajapati Maharaja, the Aadya Sevak of Lord Jagannath, for his longstanding efforts to preserve the ancient traditions of the Jagannath Temple and uphold the legacy of the Gajapati dynasty.
Reiterating the teachings of ISKCON founder-acharya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the letter said the organisation remains committed to propagating Bhagavata Dharma and Bharatiya Sanskriti and believes that the protection and promotion of Sanatana Dharma are essential for ensuring peace, prosperity and harmony.
Emphasising the need for cooperation among various religious traditions and institutions, ISKCON Bangalore said the decision to align its celebrations with the guidance of the Puri temple’s Moola Peetha had been taken in the spirit of unity and collective service to Lord Jagannath and His devotees.
The letter also invited the Gajapati Maharaja, members of the royal family and their entourage to visit the ISKCON Bangalore temple. It concluded with prayers seeking the blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshana for the Maharaja’s long life and continued service to Lord Jagannath and Bharatavarsha.
