Dear Devotees, 

The Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannatha is a sacred tradition, rooted in our ancient scriptures and observed with reverence at the Jagannatha Temple in Puri. According to the Skanda Purana, this festival should be celebrated only during the bright fortnight in Ashadha. In a letter to ISKCON’s Governing Body, Gajapati Maharaja of Puri emphasized the importance of honoring this scriptural timing to uphold the spiritual significance of the festival. 

Param Pujyapada Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati Maharaj, the supreme religious authority on Shree Jagannatha Sanskriti and Vaidika Sanatana Dharma, has also strongly denounced the untimely festivals conducted by ISKCON worldwide. The Government of Odisha, too, has objected to these events, which they believe undermine the sanctity of Lord Jagannatha’s glorious tradition. 

While ISKCON India formally adopted a resolution to respect these dates in 2021, some centers outside India continue to hold Ratha Yatras on other dates, disrupting the unity and sanctity of this cherished festival. We, the undersigned, humbly request that all ISKCON centers worldwide adhere to the traditional dates for Ratha Yatra and Snana Yatra, honoring both scriptural authority and the sentiments of devotees. Let us unite in our devotion and preserve the sanctity of Lord Jagannatha’s festival for future generations.  

For learning more about Gajapati Maharaja's appeal and relevant media news please click here: https://jagannathculture.org/petition

This petition needs your support with signatures.

With heartfelt devotion, 
Global Organization for Jagannath Culture and Education