Bhubaneswar: Devotees of Lord Jagannath in Odisha and outside have lashed out at International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISICON) for organising Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra in different countries ahead of the scheduled dates.
While ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, in UK held Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannath on May 10, untimely Rath Yatra was observed at Durban in South Africa on May 2, allegedly ignoring repeated objections by Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple and devotees.
The controversy has escalated with devotees terming the events untimely and a deviation from established traditions. They argue that Jagannath rituals are governed by a strict sacred calendar and cannot be altered for convenience.
Devotees, scholars, researchers and servitors pointed out that in 2026, Snana Yatra falls on June 29 and Rath Yatra on July 16, as per the traditional calendar finalised by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri.
Despite this, the Snana Yatra ceremony was held in UK on May 10 and Rath Yatra in Durban on May 2, drawing sharp reactions.
Critics claimed that the events were conducted in disregard of prescribed rituals, customs, and traditional rules linked to the sacred procession.
Concerns have also been raised over the construction and design of the chariots used during the festival. It was alleged that ISKCON authorities deviated from traditional guidelines related to chariot construction and even used differently coloured cloth coverings on the chariots.
Repeated deviation from the traditional practice by the ISKCON has drawn strong reactions from Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb. He has repeatedly cautioned ISKCON against conducting untimely Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra ceremonies in different countries.
He had earlier warned the organisation against holding such events outside the prescribed schedule and stated that legal action could also be considered if violations continued.
According to sources, ISKCON has already finalised plans to organise Rath Yatra at around 80 locations and Snana Yatra at 10 locations across the world in 2026.
The organisation is expected to conduct Rath Yatra celebrations in several countries and major cities, including Florida and Texas in the United States, London in the United Kingdom, Australia, Brisbane, and Canada.
Underlining the need maintain the sanctity of centuries-old traditions, Jagannath devotees have urged ISKCON leadership to adhere to the traditional calendar of Puri in future events linked to the 12th century shrine.
