Argus News - SJTA Warns ISKCON Against Conducting Rath Yatra On Non-Traditional Dates; Legal Action Threatened

Puri, Apr 12: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has cautioned the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) against conducting Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra outside the prescribed dates, indicating that legal steps may be considered if the practice continues.

As per the official press release issued by the SJTA on Saturday, ISKCON temples outside India have been organising Rath Yatra throughout the year on non-traditional dates, deviating from the established rituals of Jagannath Temple. The development comes despite earlier communications and objections raised by religious authorities.

Citing a decision taken by ISKCON’s Mayapur headquarters on October 19, 2025, the release noted that Rath Yatra has already been held or is scheduled at nearly 80 locations abroad on dates not aligned with the traditional tithi. Similarly, Snana Yatra has reportedly been conducted at no fewer than 10 locations.

The SJTA emphasised that, as per scriptural traditions, Rath Yatra must be observed only on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, while Snana Yatra is held on Jyestha Purnima. Several religious scholars, including Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati, have also reiterated adherence to these dates.

A meeting of the coordination committee was held at the Shree Jagannath Temple office under Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb’s chairmanship, where it was resolved that all Jagannath temples -- within India and abroad -- should follow rituals based on the Puri Jagannath Temple's calendar.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Prepares Master Plan For Puri Rath Yatra 2026

The release acknowledged that while not all 25 rituals observed at Puri can be replicated elsewhere, key festivals like Rath Yatra must adhere strictly to the prescribed tithi.

The SJTA further stated that the temple administration will take up the matter with both state and central authorities, including the ministries of culture and external affairs. A fresh communication will also be sent to ISKCON’s Mayapur headquarters.

“Despite all efforts, if ISKCON authorities continue to conduct Rath Yatra on unauthorised dates, legal steps will be initiated,” the press release read.

The SJTA announced that a standardised Shree Jagannath Temple calendar will come into effect from the upcoming Pana Sankranti, making it mandatory for all Jagannath temples in India to follow the prescribed festival dates and rituals.