Dates with devotion: The division in Puri’s Rath Yatra celebrations
Tensions have risen in Puri, India, as local devotees protest ISKCON's decision to hold Rath Yatra processions on dates that deviate from the traditional temple calendar. Critics are calling for strict action against the organization for allegedly disrespecting local religious customs.
Why it matters
The conflict highlights the friction between global religious organizations and local traditionalist institutions regarding the preservation of cultural and ritual heritage.
There is resentment in one of India’s most-celebrated temple towns, Puri, against the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The global movement to promote devotion to Lord Krishna through chanting has been organising Rath Yatra processions across several countries. In most, the dates have differed from the one prescribed by the centuries-old ritual calendar of the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri. Further, the organisation refused to abide by the schedule of the temple’s managing committee in Puri.
The article presents the grievances of local activists while acknowledging the global nature of the organization's activities.
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