Sudarsan Pattnaik Urges CM to Standardise Ratha Yatra Dates, Opposes ‘Jagannath Dham’ Name

Bhubaneswar: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik has urged Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take concrete steps to standardise the observance of Ratha Yatra festivals globally and intervene in the continued use of the term “Jagannath Dham” for the newly constructed temple in Digha, West Bengal.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister on Friday, Pattnaik expressed concern over the increasing trend of various organisations, particularly the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), conducting major Jagannath-related festivals such as Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra on dates that deviate from those followed by the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

“While we truly appreciate their devotion and enthusiasm, I humbly appeal to you to kindly take appropriate steps to encourage these organisations to observe these sacred festivals in alignment with the traditional dates as per the Puri Jagannath Temple calendar,” Pattnaik wrote in the letter.

He emphasized that despite previous objections raised by the temple administration, the practice of differing festival dates has continued. Calling Ratha Yatra a sacred tradition rather than merely a festival, he highlighted the importance of a unified global observance to uphold the sanctity and cultural identity associated with Lord Jagannath.

In the same letter, Pattnaik also addressed the controversy surrounding the use of the name “Jagannath Dham” for the Digha temple project in West Bengal. He welcomed the Odisha CM’s earlier initiative to raise the issue with West Bengal’s government but pointed out that the name had not yet been changed. He urged further intervention to preserve the religious and cultural legacy of Mahaprabhu Jagannath.

The artist concluded his letter by thanking the Chief Minister for his continuous efforts to promote Odisha’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage and appealed for stronger measures to protect the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s traditions both within the state and globally.

The issue has gained prominence following ISKCON’s recent announcement to hold Ratha Yatra celebrations in London on dates that do not coincide with the official Puri calendar, drawing criticism from traditionalists and devotees.