Puri: Amid mounting controversy over the untimely conduct of Rath Yatra abroad, Iskcon devotees who attended the annual festival here on Thursday remain split in their views.Indian devotees insist that uniformity in the festival’s schedule is non‑negotiable. “If other festivals are celebrated on the same dates in India and abroad, a deviation in the schedule of Rath Yatra is unacceptable. According to the scriptures, Snana Yatra must be performed only on ‘Jyestha Purnima’ (full moon day), while Rath Yatra — a nine‑day festival — should be observed strictly from Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya,” said Ramagopala Dasa, an Iskcon devotee from Vrindavan.In contrast, followers from overseas argue that timing is immaterial, stressing that the true essence lies in propagating the Lord’s culture and devotion. “Rath Yatra is an opportunity for the devotees to connect with the deities. For this, no particular time or date should be fixed,” said Kanta Vishnupriya Devdasi, an Iskcon devotee from Moscow.Her friends Jagannath Priya Suvadra Devadasi from Vladivostok in Russia and Vrinda Devadasi from Ukraine echoed her view, noting that the festival abroad allows thousands to experience darshan otherwise denied to non‑Hindus inside the Puri temple.“Even though many foreign devotees have embraced Hinduism and follow Lord Krishna, entry into Jagannath temple remains prohibited. Rath Yatra is our only chance to see the Lord, irrespective of dates,” said Annapurna Dasi from Russia, who described her maiden visit to Puri as “boundless joy”.Canadian devotee Goura Dasa, a regular visitor for the last five years, urged reconciliation. “The debate on schedule should be avoided. Everyone should immerse in devotion. Jagannath’s Rath Yatra holds immense significance for me, and I have never missed the Lord’s annual sojourn,” he said.Temple scholars, however, caution against diluting tradition. “Scriptural injunctions are clear. Festivals tied to tithis (auspicious dates) cannot be shifted at convenience. Any deviation risks undermining sanctity,” said senior servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra in Puri.
