ISKCON Says ‘No’ to Same-Date Global Rath Yatra, Citing Weather and Logistical Hurdles

Rath Yatra: Puri's Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb urged ISKCON to celebrate the Jagannath Rath Yatra on the same date worldwide. However, ISKCON, citing practical reasons, declared it impossible.

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:02 AM (IST)
ISKCON Says ‘No’ to Same-Date Global Rath Yatra, Citing Weather and Logistical Hurdles
ISKCON Says ‘No’ to Same-Date Global Rath Yatra, Citing Weather and Logistical Hurdles

The suggestion to conduct the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath on the same date across the world has now raised controversies. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has bluntly informed the Puri Shri Jagannath Temple Management Committee that it is not feasible to conduct the Rath Yatra on the same date globally. The company explained that operational challenges like administrative access, climatic conditions, and presence of volunteers in overseas nations hinder the ability to sustain this practice.

Puri's Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, who is also the president of the temple management committee, In September, they wrote to ISKCON, requesting that the Jagannath Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra be held only on the dates prescribed in religious texts and traditions. ISKCON agreed to celebrate the Snan Yatra on the prescribed Jyeshtha Purnima date, but expressed disagreement with the global uniformity regarding the Rath Yatra.

Govardhan Das, Chairman of ISKCON's Governing Body, stated in a letter dated October 19 that there are several insurmountable obstacles to holding the Rath Yatra on a single date internationally. The organization explained that in most Western countries, the number of Lord Jagannath's followers is very small. Local authorities there only allow religious processions on weekends to avoid disrupting the city's business activities.

The letter also stated that most volunteers and devotees are unable to participate on weekdays due to their professional responsibilities. Many temples do not have their own chariots, and the same chariot is transported to multiple cities for the event. Furthermore, some countries experience harsh winter weather during the Rath Yatra dates, making the event impossible.

Meanwhile, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb on Tuesday expressed concern over ISKCON's stance and urged the organization to reconsider its decision. He stated that the Jagannath Rath Yatra should be celebrated worldwide during the same nine-day auspicious period, beginning on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month. In his letter, Gajapati Maharaja questioned why the Rath Yatra should be an exception when festivals like Mahashivratri, Janmashtami, Ramnavami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja, Vasant Panchami, and Makar Sankranti are celebrated on fixed dates worldwide.

Gajpati Deb further stated that it is unfair to argue that dates should be changed due to local weather, administrative permission, or publicity convenience. Citing examples, he said that festivals like Christmas, Eid al-Fitr, Buddha Purnima, Paryushan Parva, Yom Kippur, and Baisakhi are also celebrated according to their respective religious calendars, regardless of the country. He wrote that changing the date of the Rath Yatra would be contrary to the original tradition and would affect the unity of the worship of Lord Jagannath.

Muskan Kumawat Muskan Kumawat is a Journalist & Content Writer at Sangri Times English, covering a wide range of topics, including news, entertainment, and trending stories. With a strong passion for storytelling and in-depth reporting, she delivers engaging and informative content to readers.