TV
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness' (ISKCON) Houston unit has been accused of tarnishing the Jagannath Culture by organising untimely ‘Snana Yatra’ and ‘Rath Yatra’ in USA. Such a move of ISKCON has irked lakhs of devotees across the globe.
According to a release published on the website of the Houston unit of ISKCON, the international society is planning to organise 'Snana Yatra' of the Holy Trinity on November 3, and hold Rath Yatra on November 9.
This attempt by the ISKCON to hold the untimely divine ritual of Lord Jagannath and his siblings has sparked resentment among the devotees. This is not the first time that the international society has dampened the sentiments of crores of Jagannath culture followers.
Expressing displeasure over ISKCON’s repeated insensible actions, Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, in September 2019, sent a clear and loud message asking the society not to organise Rath Yatra on any random dates other than the Sanatan culture specified date.
As per the Sanatan culture, the Rath Yatra of the Sibling deities is organised on the 'dwitiya tithi' of 'Sukla Pakhya' in 'Asadha' month in Odia calendar.
Responding to Puri King’s message, the ISKCON India adopted a resolution to observe Rath Yatra on the specific date. The ISKCON also confirmed the resolution through a letter to the Puri King in August 2021.
But now, the Houston unit of the society has planned to organise Rath Yatra on November 6, sparking a fresh controversy and raising questions about their intention.
“The move by ISKCON is an insult to Jagannath culture. This should be immediately opposed by the Odisha government, Puri and the Srimandir administration. Snana Yatra is held on Jyestha purnima. Organising untimely Rath Yatra is completely against Jagannath Culture,” alleged Binayak Das Mohapatra, a senior servitor of Puri Srimandir.
Rabi Narayan Samantaray, a Puri resident said, “Though ISKCON has played a crucial role in promoting Sanatan Culture globally, this move has hurt the sentiment of the Jagannath Culture believers. I urge them to refrain from such activities and promote the culture without damaging its glory.”
“I am surprised by ISKCON Houston unit’s plan to organise Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra in November. Puri Rath Yatra is considered as world’s largest annual sojourn. This is really heartbreaking the way they are planning an untimely divine ritual of the Holy Trinity. Though we appreciate their efforts in promoting Jagannath Culture, such action is objectionable,” said eminent sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik.
Jagannath Culture expert Surya Narayan Rath Sharma said, “This is not the first time ISKCON is performing an untimely Rath Yatra. The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration should write them to refrain from such activities.
“What ISKCON doing is not right. I urge Odisha government to act on it so that it does not happen in the future,” a devotee visiting Puri Srimandir demanded.
Commenting on the development, Premananda Prabhu, Public Relation Officer of ISKCON said, "We got to know about the development today and informed our top authorities about the same. We are hopeful that they will come up with something which will not affect the sentiments of the devotees."
