Puri: Raising concerns over alleged deviations from traditional rituals of Jagannath Temple, Puri Gajapati Maharaja Divyasingha Deva has written to the Prime Minister seeking intervention against Iskcon’s “off-calendar” Rath Yatras at multiple locations worldwide. He said on Saturday that if the organisation proceeds with the “off-calendar” celebrations despite repeated requests, legal action may be considered.The concern was raised at a meeting of ‘Aikya Sthapana Mandali’, held at the office of the Jagannath Temple administration under the chairmanship of the Gajapati on Saturday.Addressing a press conference after the meeting, the Gajapati said Iskcon’s proposed celebrations deviate from the traditions of Puri. “According to information available online, around 80 “off-calendar” Rath Yatras and 10 Snana Yatras are likely to be organised globally before Dec. Nischalananda Saraswati and several other religious scholars have advised that Rath Yatra should strictly be observed on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya as per scriptural tradition,” he said, adding both the state and central govts have an important responsibility to prevent such deviations. He said that he had personally written to the Prime Minister two days ago to apprise him of the matter.He added that the temple administration would take up the issue with the Union ministries of culture and external affairs, and would once again write to the Iskcon-Mayapur authorities. According to the Gajapati Maharaja, Iskcon has already informed in writing that it will not organise “off-calendar” Snana Purnima or Rath Yatra in India. No such instances have been noticed inside the country since 2025. Deva appealed to the followers of Sanatan Dharma across the state to remain aware of the issue.Meanwhile, it was also decided in the meeting that the Jagannath Temple calendar will come into effect from the upcoming Pana Sankranti, and all temples of the deity across India should follow the rituals and festivals as per the calendar of the original seat in Puri.Temple chief administrator Aravinda Padhee and other members were present at the meeting.
