Jagannath devotees expressed anger after ISKCON organised untimely Rath Yatra celebrations in Canada on May 30 and May 31, 2026.
The events took place in Waterloo and Niagara, drawing sharp criticism from Odia diaspora members who accused organisers of violating temple traditions.
The celebrations were held at Hilltop Picnic Shelter, where chariots were pulled outside the prescribed date of Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya. According to Jagannath temple tradition, Rath Yatra must only be observed on this sacred day. Devotees argued that conducting the festival on other dates disregards established rituals and undermines Jagannath culture.
Local Odia residents refused to participate in the events, condemning ISKCON’s repeated organisation of off-date Rath Yatras abroad. They demanded an immediate halt to such practices, calling them an attack on the Hindu faith and Jagannath traditions.
Earlier, ISKCON had faced similar backlash for conducting an untimely Rath Yatra in Baltimore, USA. Devotees worldwide criticised these actions, stating that millions of Jagannath followers feel hurt when rituals are altered.
Community leaders emphasised that no one should tamper with the sanctity of Lord Jagannath’s rituals. They urged ISKCON to respect temple traditions and align international celebrations with the prescribed calendar.
