Iskcon Rath Yatra in UK upsets Lord’s devotees

Rourkela: Devotees of Lord Jagannath expressed concern after Iskcon went ahead with an “untimely” Rath Yatra in London on Sunday, defying protests and objections.A memorandum had been submitted to the organisers ahead of the event, urging adherence to the ritual calendar of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.Devotees alleged that Iskcon continues to hold events that do not align with rituals associated with Lord Jagannath and the traditional system followed in Puri shrine.Tarun Agasti, trustee of Shree Jagannath Consciousness Worldwide (SJCCWW), said, “Despite widespread protests from Lord Jagannath’s devotees and Odias across the world, the Rath Yatra was conducted in London on May 24. A formal memorandum had already been submitted. The issue warrants urgent attention from Odisha and Union govts.”Dr Prakash Dey of Odisha Society UK, Prabhasi Odia and Shree Jagannatha Society UK said the London event was not aligned with the date prescribed by the SJTA, which is based on scriptures, tithi and long-standing tradition. “Repeated representations were made by devotees across the UK. Celebrating the festival on non-prescribed dates hurts the sentiments of devotees for whom Lord Jagannath holds deep spiritual and cultural significance,” he said.