Bhubaneswar, 05 June (H.S.): The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has decided to take up the issue of ISKCON reportedly conducting Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra rituals at untimely periods outside India with the President and Prime Minister.

The matter was discussed at a meeting of the SJTA Management Committee on Friday, where Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb expressed strong displeasure over the practice. SJTA Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee conveyed that the rituals are being performed outside the prescribed traditions and timings.

Padhee said that while such practices within the country have largely been addressed, concerns remain over their continuation abroad. The committee has decided to first inform the state government and subsequently escalate the matter to the Centre.

He added that after the completion of Niladri Bije rituals, a delegation from the Management Committee will meet the President, Prime Minister, and other policymakers to discuss the issue and decide on further action.

Separately, Padhee informed that the ongoing inventory and documentation work of the Ratna Bhandar has been temporarily suspended due to the upcoming Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra, and will resume after Niladri Bije. He also indicated that revisions to the existing SOP may be required to streamline the process.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda