Why did the Hare Krishna movement become controversial in Western societies?

The Hare Krishna movement, or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), became a subject of significant controversy in Western societies due to several factors related to its practices and cultural impact.

The primary reasons for this controversy include:

• Cultural Alienation: Conversion to the movement often involved a complete break from Western cultural norms. Adherents adopted Indian dress, specific dietary restrictions, and distinct grooming habits, such as male devotees shaving their heads, which were viewed as radical signs of alienation from mainstream Western values.1
• Proselytizing and Visibility: The movement’s active and highly visible proselytizing efforts—such as chanting and dancing in public spaces and selling books in airports—made them a prominent symbol of new religious movements in the 1960s, drawing both attention and scrutiny.21
• Anticult Allegations: Beginning in the early 1970s, the group was frequently targeted by anticult organizations. During the 1980s, the movement faced widespread accusations of brainwashing, leading to attempts by anticult groups to deprogram members.2
• Internal Challenges: The movement also experienced internal crises and leadership struggles following the death of its founder, A.C. Bhaktivedanta, which further contributed to public controversy.1