Overview
- ISKCON chair Madhusevita Dasa replied on July 7 that the organisation would not change its policy and would "respectfully bow out" of further discussion with Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb.
- The Gajapati wrote on July 4 asking ISKCON to hold Snana and Rath Yatra observances abroad only on dates set by Puri’s traditional calendar, a request ISKCON declined after scholars’ consultations that it says support its practice.
- Puri temple bodies have mobilised administrators and plan to take the matter to the Union government, with a delegation expected to visit Delhi after the Puri Rath Yatra to seek Centre intervention.
- State action has already followed Puri’s objections: the Sikar district administration in Rajasthan stopped a planned off‑date Rath Yatra after receiving a letter from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration.
- Local groups and public figures have warned of protests and urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to review reported Indian diplomatic participation in an off‑date ISKCON procession in Kenya, raising diplomatic sensitivity and possible policy fallout.