A controversy has emerged over ISKCON’s plan to hold the Rath Yatra in Florida ahead of the traditional tithi observed in Puri for Lord Jagannath’s annual festival. The event is scheduled for a Saturday afternoon local time, but the decision has sparked strong objections from Jagannath devotees and sevayat groups in Odisha.
Members of sevayat organisations have expressed concern that conducting the Rath Yatra on a non-tithi day undermines the sanctity of Jagannath’s cultural and religious traditions. Leaders from these groups emphasized the importance of adhering to the established calendar followed at Puri’s Srimandir, which they say carries deep spiritual significance within Sanatan Dharma.
One sevayat leader urged both the Central and Odisha governments to intervene to protect the integrity of these rituals. Others appealed to Odia communities abroad to align their celebrations with the traditional schedule to maintain a unified spiritual connection among devotees worldwide.
Critics also highlighted that several important rituals associated with Lord Jagannath, including Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra, have designated dates that should be respected. They called on national leadership to address the issue of rituals being conducted outside the prescribed tithis.
No official response from ISKCON has been received regarding the criticism as of now. Further details on the matter are awaited.
This local update is prepared from publicly available information. Readers should verify critical details from official communication where necessary.