Bhubaneswar, July 7: Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb has written to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking their intervention over the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) organising Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra celebrations outside India on dates that he says are inconsistent with the traditional calendar and scriptures associated with Lord Jagannath.

In separate letters dated July 4, 2026, the titular king of Puri expressed concern that ISKCON continues to conduct these sacred festivals on what he described as "untimely" dates in several countries. He stated that the practice has caused anguish among lakhs of devotees, particularly members of the Odia community in India and abroad, who believe the rituals should be observed strictly according to established religious traditions.

The Gajapati Maharaja informed the President and the Prime Minister that he had earlier raised the issue through separate representations submitted in October 2025 and April 2026. Copies of the previous letters, along with a list of ISKCON's proposed overseas Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra events, have been enclosed with the latest representations.

In his letter, he stated that despite repeated objections from sections of the Hindu community, especially Odias, ISKCON has continued organising the festivals at different times of the year in various countries. He also referred to the views of Shankaracharyas and Vaishnavacharyas, stating that these religious authorities have maintained that the festivals should be celebrated only in accordance with traditional scriptures and prescribed timings.

The letters underline the Gajapati Maharaja's appeal to preserve the traditional customs and sanctity associated with Lord Jagannath's sacred festivals.

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