Fresh controversy erupted on Sunday over the celebration of Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in London after members of the Odia diaspora and Jagannath devotees strongly objected to ISKCON’s decision to organise the festival on dates allegedly not aligned with traditional Hindu scriptures and age-old temple traditions and customs.

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The protest was voiced by members of the expatriate Odia community, who expressed disappointment over ISKCON London’s decision to proceed with Shree Jagannath Snana Yatra at Watford and Rath Yatra in London on what they described as “non-prescribed dates.” Devotees claimed the move has deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of Jagannath followers across the world.

In a detailed letter addressed to the head of ISKCON London, devotees stated that while they respect ISKCON’s global efforts in spreading devotion to Lord Jagannath, sacred festivals such as Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra must be observed strictly according to scriptural timelines and ancient traditions.

The letter referred to a meeting held on May 2, 2026, with Shree Nila Madhav Prabhu at Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, where devotees had reportedly conveyed their concerns regarding the scheduling of the festivals. However, they alleged that despite repeated appeals, opinions of scholars, and guidance from the revered Sankaracharyas, the concerns were not accepted.

The devotees argued that Rath Yatra is not merely a cultural event but a divine spiritual observance rooted in sacred scriptures, traditions of Puri Jagannath Temple, and Sanatan Dharma. They further stated that celebrating the divine festival on random dates for administrative or organisational convenience weakens the sanctity and authenticity of the tradition.

According to the letter, the observance of Jagannath festivals on the prescribed dates was upheld historically by spiritual leaders including the Jagadguru Adi Sankaracharya and later propagated globally by ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada.

The protesting devotees maintained that ignoring scriptural traditions and the verdict of religious scholars could create disappointment among Jagannath followers worldwide. They urged ISKCON and associated institutions to preserve the spiritual purity, dignity, and continuity of Jagannath culture for future generations.

,“It is respectfully submitted that the observance of these sacred festivals on the prescribed dates is not merely a customary or regional practice, but a Divine Commandment originating from Lord Jagannath Himself and reiterated by Lord Brahma,” the letter mentioned.

“We respectfully reiterate our submission that celebrating these festivals on random or non-prescribed dates deeply hurts the religious sentiments of countless devotees worldwide, for whom Lord Jagannath embodies profound spiritual, cultural and emotional significance. Considerations of administrative convenience, organisational preference or such other grounds (often perceived as being driven by commercial considerations) raise serious concerns, as they are seen to come at the expense of the sanctity, authenticity and continuity of the sacred traditions of Lord Jagannath and are eventually contrary to the preservation and propagation of Sanatan Dharma,” the letter added.

The issue has sparked discussions among Jagannath devotees both in India and abroad, particularly within the Odia community, where the Rath Yatra holds immense religious, emotional, and cultural significance.