The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has decided to cancel its scheduled Rath Yatra on November 9 in Houston, USA, after strong opposition from devotees of Lord Jagannath who found the proposed date contrary to established tradition. The announcement, made through an official release, highlighted that this decision was made to honor the religious sentiments of the community.
In response to the concerns, ISKCON will instead host a Gour Nitai Sankirtan Yatra on November 9. National Communications Director Yudhistir Govinda Prabhu confirmed the change following discussions with Anuttama Prabhu, a member of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission.
The issue gained momentum when Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, chairman of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Managing Committee in Puri, sent a letter to ISKCON’s Houston temple president, H G Saranga Thakur Dasa. In his letter, Maharaj urged that the Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra be celebrated on dates aligned with scriptural guidelines. He emphasized the importance of observing these sacred festivals on dates traditionally sanctioned by Hindu scriptures.
Maharaj also addressed ISKCON’s Governing Body in Mayapur, West Bengal, to encourage global adherence to these traditional dates for Rath Yatra and Snana Yatra. He noted concerns about similar discrepancies in ISKCON centers outside India, such as an upcoming Rath Yatra planned in Nigeria’s Wari City on November 23, which diverges from the established dates.
Maharaj’s appeal reflects a longstanding commitment to preserving the integrity of Vaishnava traditions. He expressed hope that ISKCON centers worldwide would adhere to the “scriptural injunctions and long-established religious traditions,” thereby unifying observances of these holy events.
