Puri Gajapati Maharaja raises concern over untimely Rath Yatras at Global Spiritual Conclave

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Puri Gajapati Maharaja raises concern over untimely Rath Yatras at Global Spiritual Conclave

Gajapati Maharaja of Puri Dibyasingha Deb expressed serious concern over the conduct of untimely Rath Yatras, stating that such practices deviate from the divinely ordained traditions of Lord Jagannath. Addressing the concluding session of the Global Spiritual Conclave in Puri, he urged religious organisations to uphold established rituals and avoid what he described as distortions of Jagannath culture.

Published by Dibyajyoti | January 05, 2026

Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb, on Tuesday voiced strong concern over the conduct of untimely Rath Yatras, stating that such practices amount to a serious deviation from the divinely ordained traditions of Lord Jagannath. Speaking at the concluding day of the three-day Global Spiritual Conclave in Puri, he appealed for an immediate end to what he termed distortions of Jagannath culture and established religious customs.

The Gajapati Maharaja emphasised that Lord Jagannath emerges from the sanctum only under specific divine instructions, most notably during the nine-day Rath Yatra held on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. He reiterated that the timing and rituals of the Rath Yatra are clearly prescribed and are based on the Lord’s command.

Questioning the legitimacy of untimely processions, he said that taking Lord Jagannath out of the sanctum at will and organising Rath Yatras outside the traditional calendar was inappropriate and against scriptural injunctions. He asserted that without the will of Lord Jagannath, it would not even be possible to bring the deity out of the sanctum.

Expressing anguish over ISKCON’s untimely Rath Yatra, the Gajapati Maharaja said such practices do not conform to the instructions laid down by Lord Jagannath. While acknowledging that the spread of awareness about Lord Jagannath and Sanatan Dharma is often viewed positively, he cautioned against overlooking the long-term consequences of deviating from established traditions.

He also objected to the naming of Digha Dham, stating that original sacred seats across religions possess unique identities that cannot be replicated or symbolically recreated elsewhere.

Delegates and saints from 53 countries participated in discussions on untimely Rath Yatras and the naming of Digha Dham during the Shree Jagannath Chintan O Chetana programme. A 97-page document prepared by the Gajapati Maharaja on the need to stop untimely Rath Yatras was circulated among participants, who resolved to spread awareness in their respective countries.

Trustee of the Shree Jagannath Chintan O Chetana Global Organisation, Dr Bhagaban Panda, said efforts would be made to promote awareness about Lord Jagannath globally. Managing Trustee Ramesh Chandra Biswal stated that legal options would be explored if necessary and called for wider public consultation on the issue. He added that the document would be shared with all 53 participating countries and urged the Government of India to intervene through diplomatic channels to prevent untimely Rath Yatras.

The Gajapati Maharaja has earlier described such untimely Rath Yatras as a major misinformation campaign and a serious deviation from tradition, and has already raised the matter with the Prime Minister’s Office.