Bhubaneswar: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has once again triggered widespread criticism by organising an untimely Rath Yatra abroad—this time in Taipei, Taiwan.
A video of the event, in which the Chaturdha Murti (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarshan) were placed on the chariot and pulled during the month of Margashira on November 23 (Sunday) , has gone viral on social media, intensifying concerns among Jagannath devotees, sevayats and researchers.
Despite repeated requests from the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and direct communication from Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, ISKCON continues to conduct Rath Yatras and Snan Yatras outside the prescribed dates, devotees allege. They argue that such “Adinia Rath Yatras” not only disregard long-standing spiritual traditions but also undermine the sanctity of Jagannath culture.
Gajapati Maharaja had earlier written to ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission Chairman, Govardhan Das of Mayapur, urging the organisation to adhere strictly to the dates fixed by SJTA. In his letter, he had stressed:
“Promote and propagate Hindu religion along with Jagannath culture, but abide by the decisions of the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri.”
He further reiterated that all ISKCON temples worldwide must observe Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra only on the prescribed dates set by the SJTA.
However, with ISKCON continuing to organise such celebrations off-schedule, devotees are demanding firm intervention from the state government. They fear that repeated violations may distort traditional practices associated with Lord Jagannath and set misleading precedents abroad.
The controversy around the Taipei Rath Yatra has once again brought ISKCON under sharp scrutiny, with stakeholders urging immediate corrective measures to uphold the sanctity of Jagannath tradition.
