Untimely Rath Yatra by ISKCON triggers resentment among devotees, religious outfits in Odisha

Despite repeated objections from Jagannath scholars and traditional custodians, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) continues to organise off-date Rath Yatras across the world. The latest events held in Nigeria and Taiwan have once again triggered outrage among Jagannath devotees, who allege that the organisation is hurting the religious and spiritual sentiments of crores of followers.

According to reports, ISKCON Nigeria conducted a Rath Yatra on November 22, and images and information shared on social media quickly sparked criticism. The organisation Shree Jagannath Chintan O Chetana Worldwide has written a formal letter to the ISKCON head in Nigeria, raising strong objections to the violation of traditional norms.

The letter states that the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Jagannath is held only once a year on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, as per centuries-old tradition. It questions how the festival is being organised in the month of Kartik and warns of the long-term consequences of breaking tradition.

“If the tradition is broken once, our future generations may follow the same. The sanctity and discipline associated with the festival will be further compromised,” the letter reads. It adds that such off-date celebrations are creating unrest among the Hindu community across the country and abroad.

The organisation has urged ISKCON to reconsider its decision and withdraw such practices "in the best interest of Lord Jagannath’s sanctity and heritage.”

This is not the first time ISKCON has been cautioned. Puri King Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had earlier issued a stern message to the ISKCON Mayapur leadership, asking them not to conduct Rath Yatra on dates other than the prescribed one.

Despite these repeated warnings, ISKCON continues to organise off-date Rath Yatras at various locations worldwide, leading to growing concerns over the erosion of Jagannath tradition and heritage.

Also Read: ISKCON once again faces backlash for unseasonal Rath Yatra, this time in Nigeria and Taiwan

Expressing displeasure over the matter, Pundit Suryanarayan Rath Sharma said, “ISKCON is not listening to anyone. They are organising the event as per their convenience. They are just creating a disturbance. This is an insult to Jagannath culture.”