Bhubaneswar: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has communicated to the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) chairperson that it is not practical to hold the Rath Yatra on a single, globally synchronized date.
The SJTMC chairperson, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, had previously requested ISKCON to celebrate Shree Jagannath’s ‘Snana Yatra’ and Rath Yatra across the globe on specific dates aligned with ancient scriptures and traditions. ISKCON has agreed to adhere to the prescribed dates for ‘Snana Yatra’ at all its temples worldwide. However, they expressed inability to comply with the request for a unified Rath Yatra date outside India.
In a letter dated October 19, ISKCON GBC chairman Govardhan Das explained to Deb that while ‘Snana Yatra’ dates can be managed globally, Rath Yatra presents significant challenges. ISKCON highlighted that in many countries, particularly in the West, the Lord Jagannath following is a minority, making it difficult to obtain necessary permissions for large processions.
Government authorities often permit such events only on weekends to minimize disruption to commercial activities. Furthermore, even if weekend permissions are granted, many volunteers and participants have weekday professional commitments, limiting their availability. The letter also pointed out that many Western ISKCON temples lack their own chariots, with chariots often traveling between cities in a region to facilitate the festival.
Additionally, varying climates pose a problem, with some locations experiencing harsh winters during the traditional Rath Yatra period. ISKCON also expressed concern that a uniform global date might prevent devotees from attending the Rath Yatra in Puri, Sri Dham Jagannath.
Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb has reiterated his request for ISKCON to reconsider its decision, emphasizing that numerous other global religious festivals, like Christmas and Eid, are celebrated consistently on their scripturally ordained dates without alteration due to local conditions. He stated that allowing the Rath Yatra to be celebrated on various dates throughout the year would lack valid justification.
Deb clarified that the SJTMC’s suggestion was not for a single worldwide date, but for observance within the nine-day auspicious period commencing on ‘Asadha Shukla-paksha Dvitiya Tithi’. He also proposed that ISKCON could conduct processions with ‘Utsava-Vigrahas’ on auspicious dates within this period, provided they are not promoted as the main Jagannath Rath Yatra to avoid public confusion.