Repeated attempts of ISKCON to organise untimely Rath Yatra deeply hurts sentiments of devotees

Bhubaneswar(06/07/2025): The repeated attempts of ISKCON to organise untimely Snana Purnima and Rath Yatra in various parts of the world have deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees of Lord Jagannath globally.

These actions are seen as a disrespect to the traditional Jagannath culture, which is rooted in centuries-old rituals and sacred timing. Despite repeated appeals by the Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, who is the traditional guardian of Lord Jagannath culture and practices, ISKCON has continued to disregard the sanctity of the original calendar by conducting Rath Yatra on arbitrary dates. The Rath Yatra is to be observed only on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya, as per tradition.

Deviating from this date is considered inappropriate and unacceptable by millions of devotees. Shree Jagannath Sanskruti Pracharaka Dr.Narayan Mohapatra has strongly condemned these activities of ISKCON and appealed to the Odisha government to take appropriate steps in this matter to protect the sanctity of rituals of Lord Jagannath. Dr.Mohapatra said, "Organising Rath Yatra on any random date is completely against Jagannath culture.

We hope ISKCON will recognise the gravity of this issue and take corrective measures that respect the beliefs and sentiments of devotees worldwide.

Let us all work together to preserve and promote the divine traditions of Lord Jagannath, without altering their spiritual essence.".