Debate Over Global Rath Yatra Date Sparks Tradition vs Practicality Clash

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has declined the request by the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) to hold the Rath Yatra on a specific date worldwide. While ISKCON agreed to observe 'Snana Yatra' globally as per the prescribed 'tithi,' practical constraints prevent aligning international Rath Yatras with those in India.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has informed the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) in Odisha's Puri that it cannot conduct the Rath Yatra on a singular global date.

While ISKCON agreed to celebrate 'Snana yatra' on Jyestha purnima as prescribed, it is unable to comply with SJTMC's request to align international Rath Yatras with the Indian 'tithi' due to logistical challenges.

Government permissions, volunteer availability, and climate variations were cited by ISKCON as key obstacles. The SJTMC chairperson has urged reconsideration, highlighting consistency with other global religious observances on specific dates.

(With inputs from agencies.)