Rourkela: Devotees of Lord Jagannath have expressed deep concern after Iskcon proceeded with an “untimely” Rath Yatra in London on Sunday, defying widespread protests and objections. A memorandum had been submitted to the organisers ahead of the event, urging strict adherence to the ritual calendar of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Devotees Allege Repeated Ritual Violations
Devotees alleged that Iskcon continues to organise events that do not align with the rituals associated with Lord Jagannath and the traditional system followed in the Puri shrine. Tarun Agasti, trustee of Shree Jagannath Consciousness Worldwide (SJCCWW), stated, “Despite widespread protests from Lord Jagannath’s devotees and Odias across the world, the Rath Yatra was conducted in London on May 24. A formal memorandum had already been submitted. The issue warrants urgent attention from the Odisha and Union governments.”
Concerns Over Cultural and Spiritual Sentiments
Dr. Prakash Dey of Odisha Society UK, Prabhasi Odia and Shree Jagannatha Society UK, emphasised that the London event was not aligned with the date prescribed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), which is based on scriptures, tithi, and long-standing tradition. “Repeated representations were made by devotees across the UK. Celebrating the festival on non-prescribed dates hurts the sentiments of devotees for whom Lord Jagannath holds deep spiritual and cultural significance,” he said.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between Iskcon’s global practices and the traditional observances of the Jagannath cult. Devotees demand that future events strictly follow the ritual calendar to preserve the sanctity of the festival.
