Rourkela: A delegation of Odisha Forum, Delhi, on Wednesday met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and submitted a memorandum signed by over 1,000 devotees of Lord Jagannath, opposing Iskcon’s celebration of Rath Yatra ahead of traditional schedule.The eight-member delegation, led by Odisha Forum chairperson Gokul Patnaik, urged that Iskcon be advised to adhere to scriptures and long-standing traditions governing the observance of tithis (auspicious dates). According to members of the delegation, President Murmu appreciated the concern and said Jagannath temples should follow prescribed scriptures and traditions while observing tithis.Asked about untimely Rath Yatra, Radhakanta Das, public relations officer, Iskcon (Bhubaneswar), said, “Iskcon, Bhubaneswar is going to celebrate Rath Yatra on July 16 as per tradition of Jagannath culture of Puri. Those who are not educated about tradition and culture of Jagannath Dham, Puri, they are doing untimely Rath Yatra and celebration of untimely Rath Yatra is not at all acceptable.“The delegation also raised the issue of securing UNESCO recognition for Rath Yatra as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. “We also requested that the Govt of India should try to include Rath Yatra as an intangible cultural heritage. The President was fully appreciative of our suggestions. We also presented our long-standing demands for an Odia cultural centre and an Odia school in Delhi, for primary children to learn their mother tongue. The President agreed with the suggestion and suggested that Odisha Forum should make a formal representation to her,” Patnaik said.The forum said it has been pursuing the demand for an Odia cultural centre and an Odia-medium school in Delhi to promote the language and culture among children of Odia families residing in the national capital.
Members of Odisha Forum, Delhi, with President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday
