Bhubaneswar, June 28:  The Odisha Forum has expressed strong objection to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for conducting Rath Yatra celebrations on dates that differ from the traditional schedule followed by the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, members of the forum said that altering the timing of the festival goes against the centuries-old religious and cultural traditions associated with Lord Jagannath. They emphasized that the Rath Yatra of Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri is conducted according to a fixed calendar rooted in scriptural injunctions and established rituals.

Forum president Gokul Pattnaik urged Odias across the world to safeguard Jagannath traditions. He also announced that the forum plans to submit a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, requesting the Central Government to pursue UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Rath Yatra. According to him, such recognition would help strengthen global awareness while preserving the festival’s traditional practices and timing.

Separately, the Odia Asmita Parisad, Convenor,  Rabi Behera, also strongly objected to ISKCON’s Rath Yatra celebrations held outside Odisha. He referred to a recent ISKCON-organised Rath Yatra in New York, alleging that Odia NRIs who opposed the timing were treated improperly. He described the incident as an insult to Odia sentiments and traditions.