ISKCON Faces Heat for Conducting Untimely Rath Yatra in Rishikesh

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has come under fire for organising a Rath Yatra in Rishikesh on October 7—well ahead of the traditional date observed by the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The event, held by ISKCON’s Madhuban Ashram, has drawn sharp criticism from religious scholars, devotees, and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for allegedly violating centuries-old ritual norms.

According to eyewitnesses, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were carried on a four-wheeled vehicle instead of the customary wooden chariot.

The procession began at 9:30 AM from the ashram and concluded near the Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, passing through Triveni Ghat Chowk.

This move came despite a prior advisory from the SJTA, which had issued a 100-page document in September warning ISKCON against conducting out-of-season rituals like Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra.

The advisory, backed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, emphasised that such deviations undermine the sanctity of Jagannath traditions and could invite legal consequences.

Religious leaders have condemned the act, calling it a misrepresentation of Jagannath culture. “Rath Yatra is traditionally held on the Dwitiya Tithi of Suklapakhya in the month of Asadha.

This has been the practice for over 700 years,” said the Executive President of the Mukti Mandap Pundit Sabha. “Such untimely celebrations confuse devotees and dilute the spiritual essence of the festival.”

The Rath Yatra, one of India’s most revered festivals, is deeply rooted in ritual precision and cultural symbolism. Any deviation from its prescribed calendar is seen as a breach of religious protocol.

As of now, ISKCON has not issued an official response to the backlash. Devotees and temple authorities await clarity on whether the organisation will align future observances with the Jagannath Temple’s guidelines.