Odia diaspora hails Majhi’s stand on untimely Rath Yatra

Rourkela: Odia and Jagannath devotees across the world have welcomed chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s assurance that the state govt would take steps against ISKCON’s practice of holding Rath Yatras outside the traditional calendar, calling it a long-awaited response to concerns over “adinia” (untimely) Rath Yatra.Speaking at a news conference in Bhubaneswar on Friday, held to mark two years of the BJP govt in Odisha, Majhi said the matter was being taken seriously and that necessary steps would be taken. He said each festival associated with Lord Jagannath has its own sanctity and should be observed as per long-established tradition.Devotees, who have been urging authorities to intervene against untimely Rath Yatras held in different parts of the world, said Odisha has a responsibility to protect the authenticity of Jagannath culture globally.The remarks come soon after the West Bengal govt decided to drop the word ‘dham’ from the name associated with the Digha Jagannath temple. Devotees said the Digha decision showed sensitive issues linked to Jagannath tradition could be addressed when govts respond to the sentiments of Odias and followers of Jagannath culture.“It is heartening to see that the CM has heard the voice of Odias and Jagannath devotees worldwide. People are not opposing devotion; they are opposing the violation of sacred tradition,” said Sukant Sahu, general secretary, Odia Society UK.Tarun Agasti, representing Shree Jagannatha Consciousness, Australia and New Zealand, and trustee of SJCCWW, said the CM’s statement has raised hopes among devotees outside India.