A section of the Odia and Hindu diaspora community in the United States has strongly objected to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON)’s observance of Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra celebrations outside the scripturally prescribed dates, alleging that such deviations violate sacred scriptures and centuries-old Jagannatha traditions.

In a detailed ‘Memorandum of Protest’ dated May 14, 2026, organisations including Shree Jagannatha Sanskriti United, Florida Tampa Bay Rath Yatra Association and Florida Odia Organization raised objections over the Rath Yatra event held at Jacksonville Beach in Florida on May 16, 2026.

The memorandum was addressed to Sakichand Dalchand, Nitai Dalchand and Subash Sheth, residents of Alachua, Florida. The protest letter stated that the planned observance had ‘hurt the sentiments’ of members of the Hindu community and Jagannatha devotees, particularly Odias residing in Florida.

The representation, signed by office bearers and members of the organisations, including president Shyam Mohapatra, vice-president Kiron Senapati and secretary-treasurer Dhirendra Das, stressed that the observance of Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra must strictly follow the prescribed lunar calendar dates mentioned in Hindu scriptures.

Citing scriptures such as the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, Padma Purana and Niladri Mahodaya, the memorandum argued that Snana Yatra should only be observed on Jyestha Purnima tithi. At the same time, Rath Yatra must begin on Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya and continue for nine days. According to the representation, this year’s Rath Yatra is scheduled from July 16 to July 24, 2026.

The organisations further stated that the ‘Chaturdha Murtis’ of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan should not be removed from the sanctum except during the designated one-day Snana Yatra and the nine-day Rath Yatra period as prescribed by Shree Jagannath Temple Administration traditions.

While acknowledging the global contribution of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and other devotional groups in spreading Jagannatha culture and Hindu traditions worldwide, the memorandum maintained that ‘logistical flexibility’ cannot override divinely ordained tithis. It argued that adherence to scriptural dates is essential for preserving the sanctity and spiritual integrity of the festivals.

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The memorandum also referred to practices introduced during the time of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, claiming that initial international observances had more strictly aligned with scripture. It is alleged that recent deviations in festival dates outside India are inconsistent with sacred injunctions and long-standing tradition.

Describing the issue as one affecting the sentiments of ‘millions of devotees worldwide,’ the organisations urged concerned authorities and organisers to ensure that future celebrations of Jagannatha festivals outside India strictly adhere to prescribed religious dates and traditions.