ISKCON Rejects Gajapati Maharaja’s Plea on Ratha Yatra Dates

In a decisive move, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has rejected Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb’s appeal to align the Ratha Yatra dates with the traditional Odia calendar.

On July 7, 2026, ISKCON Chairman Madhusevita Dasa issued a categorical statement: “There is no more to add, and therefore we respectfully bow out of this discussion once and for all.”

The rejection underscores ISKCON’s intent to continue organising Ratha Yatra abroad on dates that differ from the prescribed Odia tithi.

This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Jagannatha devotees, who argue that altering the festival’s schedule undermines its sanctity.

As custodian of Jagannatha traditions, Gajapati Maharaja emphasised the importance of adhering to centuries‑old rituals tied to the Odia calendar.

The refusal highlights a growing divide between ISKCON’s global practices and traditional Odia religious customs, intensifying cultural and spiritual tensions.