ISKCON’s untimely Rath Yatra scheduled in Taiwan on November 23

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is to roll out the chariots of the Holy Trinity (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra), which is set to take place on November 23 at Taiwan’s Ximending MRT Exit-6 locality.

Also Read: Puri Gajapati Maharaja issues stern warning to ISKCON over untimely Rath Yatra

However, the recent announcement has triggered strong reactions among the devotees and followers of Jagannath culture, including the Odia community across the State. Many devotees and volunteers expressed their frustration over what they perceive as ISKCON’s frequent organisation of similar events across the globe and outside the traditional context.

Devotees and Jagannath enthusiasts have been informed online about the event and invited to participate. The celebration will include cultural performances, Kirtans, Yoga sessions, and various other activities, providing a spiritual and festive experience for attendees.

No official response has been issued by ISKCON regarding the concerns so far.

“Important decisions were taken in this regard and a key meeting was also held at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, which was attended by Gajapati Maharaja, Chief Administrator of the temple administration, and several other senior officials and functionaries,” Srimandir managing committee member, Madhusudan Singhari, said to OTV.

“We had advised ISKCON not to conduct the untimely Rath Yatra and asked it to reply within 100 days. The religious organisation has not taken any step at all. We get to hear through you (the media) that ISKCON is trying to hold Rath Yatra again,” Singhari stated.

“Government should resort to legal measures to curb such activities,” Singhari added.

Worth mentioning, Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb had issued a strong message in September this year to the ISKCON over its continued ‘defiance’ of established traditions by organising untimely Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra events, both in India and abroad.

As per Hindu scriptures, Rath Yatra must be conducted strictly on the Asadha Shukla Dwitiya and Snana Yatra on Jyestha Purnima. Any deviation, the Gajapati Maharaja had stressed, invites inauspiciousness and undermines the sanctity of Jagannath culture.

A detailed dossier comprising hundreds of pages had been sent to ISKCON's headquarters in Mayapuri, backed by a legal opinion suggesting that violations within India can be dealt with under Indian law. Stopping any foreign events, however, would require approaching the international courts, though diplomatic pressures could be more effective.