Bhubaneswar: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Houston is facing backlash from devotees of Lord Jagannath in Odisha and worldwide for planning to hold “Snana Yatra” and Rath Yatra of the sibling deities untimely.
As per the schedule, they have planned to organise the Snana Yatra on November 3 and “Rath Yatra” on November 9 in Houston city of the United States. These dates deviate from the traditional timing of the events which triggered outrage among cores of devotees and servitors of the Srimandir in Puri.
Renowned sand sculptor and member of Sri Jagannath Temple committee Padmashri Sudarsan Pattnaik expressed surprise at ISKCON Houston’s decision He urged them to respect the tradition of celebrating Rath Yatra on a single day globally, which would amplify its significance.
This isn’t the first time ISKCON has upset followers of Jagannath culture by organising Rath Yatra in several places across India in the past. It had drawn sharp criticism for disregarding sentimental values.
A team from Puri had also met the ISKCON authorities in Delhi and urged them to refrain from such activities. Gajapati Maharaj Dibya Singh Dev also expressed concern over the move of the Houston Unit of ISKCON.
