A new dispute has emerged regarding the timing of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra. Puri’s Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb has urged the International Society for Krishna Consciousness to adhere to the traditional dates used at the Jagannath Temple in Odisha. In a letter reported by PTI, the titular king asked ISKCON to avoid holding the Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra on dates that conflict with Hindu scriptures. The request follows ongoing disagreements between temple authorities and the organization about festival timing outside India. The core issue concerns the use of the Hindu lunar calendar at the Puri temple. Snana Yatra occurs on Jyestha Purnima Tithi, while the Rath Yatra starts on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi, with dates shifting annually. The Gajapati Maharaja stated that although celebration methods may adapt to local conditions, the prescribed dates must remain fixed as they derive from scripture. He noted that altering them undermines the sanctity of a major Hindu festival and that the Jagannath tradition should stay consistent worldwide. ISKCON has explained that practical difficulties arise when organizing events abroad, such as obtaining permits only for weekends or dates approved by local officials. Additional factors like road access and crowd control also affect scheduling. The group maintains that overseas events aim to promote devotion rather than replace the Puri festival. It has agreed to observe Snana Yatra on the scriptural date but differences persist over Rath Yatra timings. The Gajapati has written repeatedly in recent years and previously sought intervention from national leaders. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has reiterated that festivals must follow scriptural rules. ISKCON faces the task of reconciling tradition with local regulations in various countries.
