ISKCON Should Be Banned in India: Rath Yatra Held Without Deities in Houston, Demand for Ban on ISKCON from Jagannath Puri
On November 9th, a Rath Yatra organized by ISKCON took place in Houston. This event has sparked criticism of ISKCON. However, prior to the event, ISKCON had assured the Odisha government and the Gajapati Maharaj of Puri that the Rath Yatra would not be held at any time other than the designated period.
The Rath Yatra in Houston featured a procession with deities, but the statues of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra were not included. This parade was part of ISKCON’s “Festival of Bliss.”
Following the event, the Odisha government and devotees raised objections to the procession. Matruprasad Mishra, spokesperson of Puri’s Govardhan Peeth, stated that the event was against religious principles.
He also called for ISKCON to be banned in India, claiming that the organization had conspired against their religion by organizing the Rath Yatra at an incorrect time in Houston.
Odisha Law Minister’s Statement on ISKCON Rath Yatra Controversy
Odisha’s Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan stated that the administration of the Shri Jagannath Temple will make any decision regarding the matter, and the state government will support whatever decision the temple authorities take.
Meanwhile, ISKCON Houston issued a statement on its website, revealing that initially, the temple had planned to conduct the Rath Yatra with deities. However, after local concerns were raised, the plan was modified.
The statement emphasized that devotees attending the festival wish to have darshan of Lord Jagannath, and it is also important to honor tradition. It further mentioned that a meeting between ISKCON and the officials from Puri will take place next month to come to an agreement, and the course of action will follow the consensus reached.
A balanced approach considering both the traditional calendar and the wishes of the devotees should be taken.
What is the Rath Yatra Controversy?
On November 9th, ISKCON organized a Rath Yatra in Houston, despite previously assuring that they would not hold such an event outside of the designated time period in India. This promise was made but not kept, leading to the controversy.
What Did ISKCON Say?
Saranga Thakur Das, the president of ISKCON Houston, posted a statement on the organization’s website, explaining that they initially intended to hold the Rath Yatra with the deities. However, after local concerns were raised, the plans were modified.
The primary goal of the festival, according to ISKCON, was to provide people with the opportunity to have darshan of Lord Jagannath. The statement also mentioned that ISKCON officials would hold a meeting with the authorities from Puri to discuss the matter further.
