A Call for Harmony: Resolving the Rath Yatra Controversy in Houston

The spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar advocates for a peaceful resolution to the Rath Yatra celebration conflict involving ISKCON in Houston. The controversy centers around holding the event on an alternate date. ISKCON's Houston unit faced backlash after using Lord Krishna's idol instead of Lord Jagannath.

Renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar urged for an amicable resolution to the differences over ISKCON's Rath Yatra celebrations in the U.S. Addressing editors in Cuttack, he emphasized that Rath Yatra is a sentiment and should not be a cause for controversy.

Ravi Shankar pointed out that global celebrations, like Diwali or Independence Day, often occur on different dates due to the lack of official holidays. He suggested that a similar understanding should apply to the Houston Rath Yatra disagreement.

The ISKCON unit in Houston planned the Rath Yatra for November 9 amidst criticism, opting to use Lord Krishna's idol on the chariot instead of Lord Jagannath, sparking significant uproar. Discussions between ISKCON and the Shree Jagannath Temple committee are set for next month to address the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)