ISKCON faced criticism for holding an “untimely” Rath Yatra in Houston on November 9, 2024. Despite assurances to the Odisha government and Puri’s Gajapati Maharaja that they would not hold the Rath Yatra outside India, ISKCON organized a chariot parade featuring a replica of Lord Jagannath’s Nandighosa chariot without the deities. This decision drew backlash from devotees and authorities in Odisha, with Puri Govardhan Peeth spokesperson Matru Prasad Mishra calling it a “conspiracy against our religion” and demanding a ban on ISKCON in India. A meeting is planned between ISKCON and Puri officials to discuss the matter further.
Source: Conversation with Copilot