Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: Amid controversy over the proposed untimely celebration of Rath Yatra by ISKCON in Houston, USA, on November 9, Puri's titular king, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, reiterated his appeal to the organization to refrain from holding the Rath Yatra or any related festival that violates Shastric injunctions.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Deb acknowledged that ISKCON, respecting the sentiments of devotees, had canceled the planned Snana Yatra of the holy triad in Houston on November 3. However, he expressed disappointment that ISKCON has not yet announced the cancellation of the Rath Yatra scheduled for November 9, noting that preparations for the event are underway.

Deb also revealed that ISKCON plans to organize another Rath Yatra in Nigeria later this month. He assured that discussions with senior ISKCON members and Swamijis of the Governing Body Commission (GBC) are ongoing. The issue will be addressed in an important GBC meeting scheduled for March.

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