Dispute Erupts Over Rath Yatra Timing Between Puri Temple and ISKCON
A significant dispute has surfaced between the Jagannath Temple administration in Puri and ISKCON concerning the timing of Rath Yatras. Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb has accused ISKCON of misleading the public about organizing these events at inappropriate times abroad. The temple administration insists that the Rath Yatra should only occur during specific dates according to the Hindu calendar, while ISKCON claims it wishes to hold these events year-round. The situation has escalated, with both sides presenting their arguments and responses, highlighting the complexities of tradition and modern practices in religious observances.
| Jul 13, 2026, 14:51 IST
Conflict Over Rath Yatra Scheduling
A new controversy has emerged regarding the timing of Rath Yatras outside Odisha, involving the administration of the Jagannath Temple in Puri and ISKCON. The titular king of Puri, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingh Deb, has accused ISKCON of misleading the public by making statements about organizing Rath Yatras at 'incorrect times' abroad. Deb's comments were in response to a press release from ISKCON, which claimed that scholars from the organization had outperformed Puri's scholars in discussions about the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. The Jagannath Temple administration maintains that the Rath Yatra should only occur during the nine days starting from the 'Ashadha Shukla Dvitiiya Tithi' according to the Hindu calendar, while ISKCON insists on conducting Rath Yatras throughout the year, stating that their discussions with the SJTA have concluded permanently.
Response to ISKCON's Claims
Deb refuted ISKCON's statements, asserting, "The press release issued by ISKCON's Juhu branch in Mumbai contains entirely incorrect and irrelevant information. Discussions and debates took place between the scholars of Puri and ISKCON at the Sri Nahar (Palace) in Puri. However, ISKCON is now spreading a completely fabricated narrative that the scholars of Puri lost the debate." He indicated that the SJTA would respond firmly regarding the premature Rath Yatra. As the chairman of the 'Shri Jagannath Temple Management Committee' (SJTMC), Deb noted that the 'Governing Body Commission' (GBC) of ISKCON has been informed about the disruptions caused by the untimely Rath Yatras.
ISKCON's Position
Despite the controversy, Deb acknowledged that ISKCON continues to organize bathing festivals and Rath Yatras in various locations worldwide. In response to the situation, Banmali Das, the regional secretary of ISKCON's Odisha unit, expressed to reporters that if Gajapati Maharaja feels hurt, they sincerely apologize. He emphasized their respect for him and stated, "We conduct Rath Yatras in accordance with the traditions of Puri in Odisha and never deviate from the scheduled dates and 'tithis.'" Das clarified that ISKCON in Odisha has no control over events happening abroad.