Bhubaneswar: Protests are intensifying against ISKCON’s decision to hold Rath Yatras abroad on dates different from the traditional schedule observed in Puri. Members of the organization ‘We for Bhubaneswar’ staged a peaceful protest in front of the ISKCON temple in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
The protestors said the holy Rath Yatra of Shri Jagannath has a specific date and tradition as prescribed in scripture. They alleged that holding untimely Rath Yatras along with the world-famous Rath Yatra organized every year in Puri is hurting the sentiments of devotees.
During the demonstration, the protesters peacefully put forward their demands. They urged ISKCON to reconsider the issue and respect the traditions of Jagannath culture. The protests erupted after ISKCON reportedly rejected the appeal of Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb to hold the Rath Yatra on one date worldwide as per scripture.
The controversy continues as ISKCON has scheduled its annual Rath Yatra in Los Angeles on August 2. Globally acclaimed sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik has also appealed to ISKCON authorities to respect Jagannath culture and cancel all scheduled untimely Rath Yatras.
Discussions are meanwhile ongoing among Jagannath lovers and devotees regarding the dispute, with many calling for uniformity in observing the festival as per the traditions of the 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
