Controversy Erupts Over ISKCON's Untimely Rath Yatra in Houston

ISKCON held a chariot parade in Houston, sparking backlash from Odisha and Puri authorities. The event excluded traditional deities, inciting criticism from religious spokespeople who demand a ban on ISKCON in India. A resolution is sought through discussions between Indian officials and ISKCON leaders.

In a surprising move, ISKCON organized a chariot parade in Houston on November 9, despite having assured the Odisha government and Puri's Gajapati Maharaja that there would be no untimely Rath Yatra outside of India. The parade featured a replica of Lord Jagannath's 'Nandighosa' chariot, however, it was missing the deities, leading to severe backlash from both devotees and authorities in Odisha.

The spokesperson for Puri Govardhan Peeth, Matru Prasad Mishra, strongly condemned the event, calling it a 'conspiracy against our religion' and has called for a ban on ISKCON in India. According to Mishra, Houston ISKCON had assured Puri Gajapati Maharaja and the Odisha government in writing that they wouldn't hold the Rath Yatra outside of the traditional schedule.

Odisha's Law Minister, Prithiviraj Harichandan, stated that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration would decide on any actions, with government support assured. Houston ISKCON chief Saranga Thakur Dasa explained a change in plans was necessary due to local community concerns, emphasizing a forthcoming meeting to align traditional practice with global festival participation.

(With inputs from agencies.)