Kalinga Sena Issues Warning to ISKCON Over Rath Yatra in Odisha

In Bhubaneswar, the Kalinga Sena has raised concerns over ISKCON's plans for an early Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, claiming it violates cultural traditions. The group has threatened to prevent ISKCON devotees from entering Puri during the event scheduled for July 16. Kalinga Sena's president, Hemant Rath, criticized ISKCON for disrespecting local customs and vowed to halt their activities across Odisha. This escalating tension highlights the clash between traditional practices and modern interpretations within the community. Read on to discover more about this unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2026, 10:10 IST

Kalinga Sena's Stance Against ISKCON

A social and political group known as Kalinga Sena has issued a stern warning to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The organization is protesting against ISKCON for allegedly conducting the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath prematurely, which they claim goes against traditional customs and cultural practices.

Previously, the Gajapati Maharaj of Puri, Divyasingh Dev, had urged that the Rath Yatra should be organized globally in accordance with religious scriptures and rules. Kalinga Sena accuses ISKCON of disregarding this appeal. In response, Kalinga Sena activists staged a significant protest in front of the ISKCON temple in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Under the leadership of Kalinga Sena President Hemant Rath, the activists have issued a clear warning that devotees of ISKCON will not be allowed entry into Puri during the upcoming Rath Yatra scheduled for July 16.

In a conversation with reporters, Hemant Rath stated that ISKCON has no right to operate in Odisha, as they have disrespected Gajapati Maharaj Divyasingh Dev, who is regarded as the chief servant of Lord Jagannath. He asserted that their members would ensure that no individual associated with ISKCON is present during the Rath Yatra in Puri and Bhubaneswar.

When questioned about taking the law into their own hands, he remarked that if ISKCON shows no respect for their Jagannath culture, then why should they be honored in Puri? He emphasized that ISKCON has no place there and that their activists will halt all ISKCON activities across Odisha. Hemant Rath also accused ISKCON of consistently failing to adhere to the scheduled timings for the Rath Yatra, despite repeated appeals.