Bhubaneswar: In a strongly worded reaction, Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb expressed deep displeasure over the performance of Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra at untimely periods by ISKCON outside India. The issue was raised during the meeting of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Management Committee on Friday.
After the meeting, SJTA Chief Administrator Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee addressed the media and conveyed the Gajapati Maharaj’s concerns.
“Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra were being held untimely even within the country and proper traditions were not followed. However, these activities are not coming to our notice anymore in the country after our intervention. But outside India, they are not following any rules and are performing these sacred rituals untimely almost every other day,” Padhee said, quoting the sentiments expressed in the meeting.
He further stated that the Management Committee has decided to take up the matter seriously with higher authorities. “We will first inform the state government about this issue, and then take it up with the Centre. After the completion of Niladri Bije rituals, a delegation of the Management Committee will meet the Prime Minister, the President, and other policymakers. After discussing the matter with them, further course of action will be decided,” he added.
On the inventory of the Ratna Bhandar, Padhee informed that the counting and documentation process has been halted due to the upcoming Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra.
“The inventorisation work will remain suspended during this period. It will resume after Niladri Bije. We will inform the government about the fresh date for resumption after the rituals are completed,” he said.
Padhee also mentioned that some changes are required in the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to smooth inventorisation of the ornaments.