Bhubaneswar, Jan. 4 -- Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Dibyasingha Deb, expressed deep concern on Sunday over the conduct of untimely Rath Yatra celebrations (rolling out of chariots) by International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in different parts of India and abroad.

The first and foremost servitor (Pratham Sevak) of the Lords stated that such practices go against established religious directives and scriptures.

Speaking during the global spiritual conclave organised by Shree Jagannath Chintan and Chetana Worldwide Organisation in Puri pilgrimage town, he emphasised that Lord Jagannath cannot be taken out in procession throughout the year at will.

The Gajapati Maharaja noted that Rath Yatra is a highly sacred and scripturall...