Bhubaneswar, Dec 22: Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb has strongly criticised the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for organising Rath Yatra on non-scriptural dates, terming it “number one propaganda” that spreads religious misinformation. He said such practices are undermining the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s traditions and hurting the sentiments of devotees across the world.

Speaking at a programme organised by the Shree Jagannath Chetana Research Institute on Sunday, the Gajapati Maharaja said it was time for acharyas, scholars, and devotees to openly express their views. He warned that continued silence would encourage ISKCON to keep conducting unauthorised Rath Yatra events without adhering to established scriptures.

Drawing comparisons with other religious observances, Dibyasingha Deb said festivals like Janmashtami or Guru Purnima cannot be celebrated arbitrarily, and the same principle applies to Rath Yatra. He stressed that the grand festival must be observed strictly according to scriptural injunctions and traditional timelines.

The Gajapati Maharaja also pointed out that repeated discussions and the presentation of scriptural evidence to ISKCON have failed to bring any change in its position. He alleged that ISKCON’s refusal to follow tradition has set a precedent, prompting other groups to imitate the practice. Efforts by the Shrimandir Jagannath Temple Administration to resolve the issue through dialogue, including inviting senior ISKCON leaders for discussions, have remained inconclusive, he added.

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