ISKCON Faces Criticism Over 'Rath Yatra' and 'Snan Yatra' Dates: A Call for Tradition

Concerns Raised by Shree Jagannath Temple Authorities

Bhubaneswar: The authorities of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, have formally requested the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to cease the 'Rath Yatra' and 'Snan Yatra' celebrations on arbitrary dates, which they argue contradict established scriptures.

Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singha Deb, who chairs the temple's managing committee, addressed the media, revealing that he has reached out to ISKCON regarding this matter.

He expressed concern that ISKCON has been holding these significant rituals on random dates for over five decades, which he believes undermines the religious sentiments of many devotees.

"We earnestly request ISKCON to take appropriate measures promptly to ensure that these sacred festivals are celebrated in accordance with the scriptures and traditions in all ISKCON temples worldwide," Deb stated.

Accompanying him was Arabinda Padhee, the chief administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).

Deb pointed out that while scriptures dictate that the 'Snan Yatra' should occur on 'Jystha Poornima Tithi', ISKCON temples have been conducting it based on their own preferences.

"From 2025 until September, at least 40 ISKCON temples across India and abroad have performed the 'Snan Yatra' in disregard of sacred traditions," he noted.

Additionally, he mentioned that around 68 ISKCON temples in various countries have also celebrated the 'Rath Yatra' contrary to the scriptures.

"There is no valid reason for celebrating the 'Rath Yatra' on arbitrary days throughout the year," Deb emphasized.

He also mentioned a meeting held with ISKCON scholars in March, where these concerns were discussed.

Despite a lengthy discussion, ISKCON has continued to conduct the 'Rath Yatra' on the designated day in India, but violations persist globally, according to Deb.

"We hope they will rectify their errors soon. We are prepared to explore all options, including legal action, but we hope it does not come to that," he concluded.