A significant international gathering of the Odia diaspora is set to take place in the sacred city of Puri. From January 2 to January 4, 2026, devotees and community leaders from across the globe will converge for the 'Shree Jagannath Biswa Adhyatmika Samabesha 2026'. This three-day conference aims to foster discussions on the worldwide spiritual consciousness of Lord Jagannath and address critical issues concerning rituals and practices.
A Global Congregation for Spiritual Discourse
The event, to be held at the Puri Town Hall, is being organized by Shree Jagannatha Chintan & Chetna Worldwide. It promises to be a monumental assembly, with Odia participants expected from a staggering 53 countries. The conference will feature insightful speakers from 14 nations, including the United States, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Ireland, Dubai, Australia, the UAE, and Myanmar.
The spiritual and ceremonial significance of the event is underscored by its inaugurator. Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati Maharaj will formally open the conference at 11 am on January 2. The concluding session on January 4 will be graced by the presence of Puri king Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, adding royal sanctity to the proceedings.
Addressing Controversies: The ISKCON Rath Yatra Issue
A central and potentially contentious topic on the agenda is the practice of conducting Rath Yatra festivals outside India on dates that deviate from the traditional Hindu lunar calendar. In a media statement, Ramesh Chandra Biswal, the managing trustee of the organizing body who resides in Nigeria, voiced strong criticism against ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) for this practice.
"Countless Jagannath devotees across the world are deeply saddened and distressed by ISKCON's repeated untimely celebrations, which disrespect the Jagannath culture," the release stated. Biswal cited specific instances that have caused upset within the global Odia community, including a Rath Yatra in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on December 27, and similar events in Warri, Nigeria (November 22) and Taipei, Taiwan (November 23).
The organization argues that scriptures mandate the Rath Yatra to be held specifically on the 'Dwitiya Tithi' of Ashadha Shukla. While ISKCON's Mayapur headquarters reportedly assured the Puri temple administration in October of last year that rituals within India would follow the 'tithi', it maintained that adhering to this calendar for celebrations abroad was "not possible". This stance has led to calls for collective resistance to protect what is seen as the authentic Jagannath culture.
Core Themes and the Path Forward
Beyond the controversy, the conference is designed to be a platform for constructive dialogue. Key discussion points will include achieving a global consciousness of Lord Jagannath, working towards official recognition of 'Jagannath Dham', promoting unity in rituals and service (seva), and strengthening the bonds of the worldwide Odia community.
The gathering represents a powerful effort by the Odia diaspora to reconnect with their spiritual roots, assert their role in preserving cultural authenticity, and shape the global narrative surrounding one of Hinduism's most revered deities. The outcomes of this three-day summit in Puri are likely to resonate through Odia communities worldwide for years to come.
