Untimely Snana Yatra in UK spurs row

Rourkela: A wave of anger and disappointment has swept across Jagannath devotees and Odia communities worldwide after ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, UK, held the Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannath on May 10, allegedly ignoring repeated objections by Puri’s Shree Jagannath Temple and devotees.The controversy has escalated with devotees terming the event an “untimely Snana Yatra” a deviation from established traditions. They argue that Jagannath rituals are governed by a strict sacred calendar and cannot be altered for convenience, as they are rooted in practices of the Shree Mandir in Puri.The issue gains significance as ISKCON’s London Rath Yatra is scheduled for May 24.“We will write to the Bengal CM for his intervention and guidance regarding untimely global observance of Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra being observed at non-traditional timings, following directions issued from the ISKCON world headquarters at Mayapur (in Bengal). The Mayapur temple leadership may be advised to issue corrective directions globally, ensuring these sacred festivals are observed strictly in accordance with accepted tradition,” said Sukanta Sahu, general secretary, Odisha Society of UK.A week before the event, organisations including Prabasi Odia UK, Odia Society UK, Shree Jagannath Temple Bath, and members of the Indian community had submitted a memorandum to ISKCON Watford, urging it not to hold Snana Yatra outside the prescribed calendar. They pointed out that in 2026, Snana Yatra falls on June 29 and Rath Yatra on July 16, as per the traditional Jagannath calendar. Despite this, the ceremony was held on May 10, drawing sharp reactions.Tarun Agasti, director of Shree Jagannath Consciousness (Australia & New Zealand), condemned the move, calling it an attempt to “distort sacred Jagannath traditions”. He said the issue goes beyond a calendar dispute and reflects disregard for the maryada and authority of Jagannath Dham in Puri.Devotees have urged ISKCON leadership to issue a clarification, apologise, and adhere to the traditional calendar of Puri in future Jagannath-related observances, stressing the need to preserve the sanctity of the centuries-old tradition.