Bhubaneswar: Devotees of Lord Jagannath have expressed strong displeasure over the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)’s decision to organise a Rath Yatra (chariot festival) in Canada on May 30, calling it a violation of long-standing religious traditions.

Pradeep Mohanty, a devotee from Bhubaneswar, said the move goes against established customs associated with the Jagannath tradition. Echoing similar sentiments, Rupa Patnaik from Balasore stated Rath Yatra should only be observed on the auspicious occasion of Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya, as per religious scriptures and temple practices.

Critics have termed the proposed event an affront to Hindu religious sentiments and demanded its immediate cancellation. They argued organising the festival on a date other than the prescribed one distorts sacred rituals and undermines the sanctity of Jagannath culture.

According to reports, ISKCON plans to host the event at Hilltop Picnic Shelter in Canada between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., featuring food stalls, live music, cultural performances, and a chariot parade.

Notably, a similar “untimely” Rath Yatra planned earlier at a Jagannath temple in Ferozepur Cantonment, Punjab, was cancelled following objections raised by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri. SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee had written to Ferozepur District Magistrate Deepshikha Sharma, seeking intervention to stop the event scheduled for May 23.