Controversy Erupts Over ISKCON's Rath Yatra Timing in Kenya: Devotees Demand Adherence to Tradition

The recent Rath Yatra celebration organized by ISKCON in Kenya has stirred significant discontent among devotees of Lord Jagannath in Odisha. Prominent sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has called for Indian diplomats to respect traditional dates and rituals associated with the event. This controversy arises after officials from the Indian High Commission participated in the procession, leading to calls for intervention from the central government. As the SJTMC seeks to address this issue, the importance of adhering to the centuries-old traditions of the Jagannath Temple remains a focal point for devotees worldwide.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2026, 09:56 IST

Resentment Among Devotees Over Rath Yatra Celebration

Bhubaneswar: The recent involvement of officials from the Indian High Commission in Kenya in an ISKCON-organized Rath Yatra has ignited anger among Lord Jagannath's devotees in Odisha. On Saturday, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik called upon External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to ensure that Indian diplomats only participate in Rath Yatra events that align with the dates and rituals established by the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

In a post shared on X, Pattnaik, who has previously served on the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC), claimed that the celebration, which deviated from the traditional schedule, has offended the religious feelings of millions of Lord Jagannath's followers.

He expressed particular concern regarding the Indian High Commission officials who reportedly participated in pulling the chariot during the procession and promoted the event on the mission's official social media platforms.

Pattnaik urged Indian embassies and high commissions to respect the traditional practices of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, before engaging in such events, emphasizing the importance of these traditions to the global community of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath devotees.

He reiterated that the Rath Yatra is a vital aspect of the age-old Jagannath tradition and should be celebrated according to the established religious calendar.

In response, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, the titular king of Puri, announced that the SJTMC would seek intervention from the central government after ISKCON rejected their request to align overseas Rath Yatra celebrations with the temple's traditional dates.

Deb mentioned that he had reached out to the new ISKCON chairman on July 4, receiving a response on July 7 indicating that the organization would continue to hold Rath Yatra celebrations abroad on dates of its choosing.

Following consultations with the Odisha government, the SJTMC has decided to escalate the matter to the Union government. Deb stated that a delegation from the Puri temple plans to visit Delhi after the Rath Yatra festival to seek the central government's involvement.