Puri, Jul 9: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has rejected an appeal from Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb to align the observance of Rath Yatra with the traditional Odia calendar, declaring the matter closed and signalling that it will continue organising the festival abroad according to its existing schedule.

In a letter dated July 7, 2026, ISKCON Governing Body Commission Chairman Madhusevita Dasa responded to the Gajapati Maharaja's request, stating that the organisation had nothing further to add on the issue. The letter concluded with the statement: "There is no more to add, and therefore we respectfully bow out of this discussion once and for all."

The Gajapati Maharaja, regarded as the traditional first servitor and custodian of the rituals of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, had urged ISKCON to observe Rath Yatra in accordance with the prescribed tithi (lunar date) followed in Jagannath tradition. His appeal emphasised the importance of preserving centuries-old ritual practices associated with Lord Jagannath.

ISKCON's decision indicates that it will continue organising Rath Yatra celebrations in various countries on dates determined by its own organisational considerations rather than strictly following the Odia religious calendar.

The development has triggered strong reactions among many devotees of Lord Jagannath, who believe that the timing of Rath Yatra is inseparable from the temple's traditional rituals and should not be altered. Many have expressed concern that observing the festival on different dates could dilute the religious significance attached to the annual celebration.

The decision has also highlighted the continuing differences between traditional custodians of Jagannath culture and ISKCON over the observance of the globally celebrated festival. With ISKCON formally ending the exchange of correspondence, the issue is likely to remain a subject of debate among devotees and religious scholars regarding the balance between preserving traditional practices and accommodating international observances.