ISKCON Bhakti Vedanta Manor in Watford near London organised an untimely Snana Yatra, drawing sharp criticism from devotees and religious authorities.
The ritual, traditionally observed in Puri under strict guidelines, was performed abroad despite repeated objections from Gajapati Maharaja.
The event triggered debate among devotees who questioned ISKCON’s decision to hold the Snana Yatra outside its prescribed time. Videos and images of the ceremony circulated widely, intensifying concerns about ritual authenticity and adherence to tradition.
According to reports, ISKCON devotees celebrated the Snana Yatra with grandeur, ignoring the Maharaja’s repeated warnings against conducting such rituals outside the Jagannath temple’s authority. Religious scholars emphasised that the sanctity of the Snana Yatra lies in its timing and location, making deviations controversial.
The controversy follows similar disputes in recent years where ISKCON organised festivals abroad without aligning with Puri temple traditions. Devotees expressed disappointment, stating that such practices dilute the cultural and spiritual essence of Jagannath rituals.
Authorities in Odisha reiterated that rituals like Snana Yatra hold deep cultural significance and must be observed strictly within the framework set by the Jagannath temple. The incident has reignited discussions on preserving authenticity while balancing global outreach.
