ISKCON has sparked fresh outrage after organising an untimely Ratha Yatra in Chicago, drawing sharp criticism from devotees and Odia diaspora groups.
The organisation placed Lord Jagannath on an iron chariot and conducted the procession on a non-festival day, defying repeated appeals from devotees to respect traditional dates.
The event marks another instance of ISKCON’s disregard for ritual norms, following similar controversies in Harrisburg and other cities. Despite objections from local Odias, the Chicago procession went ahead, prompting widespread condemnation across social media.
Earlier this month, ISKCON also held an untimely Snana Yatra on June 7, which devotees described as disrespectful to Jagannath tradition. Religious groups have urged the government to intervene and take action against the organisation for repeated violations.
Reports indicate that ISKCON plans to conduct similar off-date Ratha Yatras across England, Australia, and other countries in the coming months. The schedule includes 11 events in June, 26 in July, 18 in August, three in September, and one in October in England. Altogether, nearly 90 untimely Ratha and Snana Yatras are expected worldwide this year.
The controversy underscores growing tension between ISKCON’s global outreach and traditional Odia religious sentiment, with devotees demanding strict adherence to Jagannath’s sacred calendar.
