Bhubaneswar, May 19 -- Fresh controversy erupted over ISKCON's conduct of Rath Yatra celebrations abroad. Criticisms are now extending beyond disputes over traditional observance dates to the manner in which a recent procession was organised in the United States.

According to reports, during a Rath Yatra organised by ISKCON in Houston, Lord Jagannath's idol was placed on the open rear platform of a vehicle and taken out in procession. The development sparked concern among sections of devotees and reignited the debate over the organisation's conduct of Jagannath-related festivals outside India.

The visuals from the Houston event drew criticism from devotees, many of whom questioned how the procession was organised with Lord Jagannath's i...