Bhubaneswar: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has rejected an appeal by Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb to stop holding Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra outside the traditional dates.
In a letter dated July 7, 2026, ISKCON Chairman Madhusevita Dasa responded to the Gajapati Maharaja’s request.
He firmly turned down the appeal and said the organization was closing the matter.
“There is no more to add, and therefore we respectfully bow out of this discussion once and for all,” the letter stated.
As per reports, the Gajapati Maharaja had written to ISKCON on July 4, urging it to refrain from organizing the chariot festival and bathing ceremony on dates not prescribed in the traditional Hindu calendar.
The Puri King, who holds the ceremonial position of Adya Sevak of Lord Jagannath, had expressed concern over ISKCON observing these rituals at times different from those followed in Puri Srimandir.
In its reply, ISKCON conveyed that it was respectfully withdrawing from further discussions on the issue.
The exchange has once again brought focus to the debate over ISKCON’s practice of celebrating Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra globally on dates other than those fixed for Puri.
