ISKCON holds untimely Rath Yatra again, this time in Rishikesh; faces backlash

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has once again found itself at the centre of controversy for allegedly violating Jagannath tradition by organising an untimely Rath Yatra. The latest incident has drawn sharp criticism from devotees and cultural circles for what they describe as a repeated ‘disrespect’ to Jagannath culture and rituals.

According to reports, the 28th Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra was organised by ISKCON’s Madhuban Ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, on October 7, well ahead of the prescribed ritual calendar. The chariot procession began from Madhuban Ashram at around 9:30 am and concluded at the Railway Road near the Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara via Triveni Ghat Chowk. The idols of the deities were reportedly taken on a four-wheeled vehicle during the event.

Earlier, in September, during a meeting chaired by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) had served ISKCON a 100-page reply detailing how such out-of-season Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra rituals violated Jagannath traditions and temple norms. The letter also warned that legal action could be taken if the organisation continued such practices.

However, barely a month later, ISKCON has again gone ahead with the untimely chariot festival, prompting renewed outrage among Jagannath devotees. 

Several religious scholars and temple servitors have urged the SJTA to take legal recourse against ISKCON for allegedly disrespecting the spiritual and ritual sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s culture.

“As per the tradition, Rath Yatra is organised on Dwitiya Tithi, Suklapakhya of Asadha month. It has been followed for 700-800 years.  We, on behalf of Mukti Mandap pundits, condemn the move trying to tarnish the Jagannath culture by organising an untimely Rath Yatra,” said Mukti Mandap Pundit Sabha’s executive president.

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As of now, ISKCON has not issued any official response regarding the controversy.