ISKCON faces backlash for yet another untimely Rath Yatra, this time in South Africa

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is once again under criticism for organising a Rath Yatra on an unscheduled date. The event, held in Sandton, South Africa, marked the fourth edition of the Rath Yatra organised untimely. ISKCON promoted the celebration through its official social media platforms, sharing photos and videos from the occasion.

Deviation from Traditional Observance

By organising the Rath Yatra on a non-designated date, ISKCON is straying from tradition. Last week, a similar incident occurred in Chelmsford, London, where ISKCON hosted an untimely Rath Yatra, prompting viral posts across social media. In November 2024, a similar event in Houston, USA, faced intense opposition. In that instance, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had written directly to ISKCON urging them not to proceed. Following the backlash, ISKCON had declared that, in place of the Rath Yatra, a Gaur-Nitai Sankirtan Yatra would be held.

Cultural Sensitivities and Reactions

The repeated instances of organising Rath Yatras on non-traditional dates have led to widespread discontent among devotees and cultural custodians. Sudarsan Pattnaik, a prominent Odisha sand artist, voiced his displeasure on social media, stating that such actions undermine the religious sanctity of Lord Jagannath's traditions. Despite previous appeals from temple authorities and devotees, ISKCON's continued organisation of these events has been met with disappointment.

Repeated Violations Stir Devotee Outrage

Despite such instances, ISKCON has repeatedly shown disregard for the cultural traditions surrounding Lord Jagannath. This recurring conduct has caused deep dissatisfaction among devotees. As of now, ISKCON has not issued any formal response to the latest controversy.