Bhubaneswar, 12 July (H.S.): Members of the social organisation We for Bhubaneswar staged a peaceful demonstration outside the ISKCON temple in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, protesting the observance of Rath Yatra on dates that differ from the traditional schedule followed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The protesters alleged that conducting Rath Yatra on dates not aligned with the traditional Hindu calendar and Jagannath temple rituals violates centuries-old customs and hurts the religious sentiments of Lord Jagannath's devotees.

The organisation demanded that ISKCON discontinue organising Rath Yatra on dates that deviate from the traditional observance, including at its centres outside India. It maintained that the festival should be celebrated strictly in accordance with the sacred tithis observed at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Members of We for Bhubaneswar asserted that any attempt to alter or undermine the traditions and cultural heritage associated with Lord Jagannath would be strongly opposed. They described Sunday's demonstration as the beginning of a broader public campaign aimed at safeguarding the sanctity, authenticity and dignity of Jagannath culture and rituals.

The protest comes amid a growing debate over ISKCON's decision to organise Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra at several overseas centres on dates that differ from the ritual calendar followed at the Puri Jagannath Temple, a move that has drawn criticism from sections of devotees and organisations associated with Jagannath traditions.

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

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda