The Krishna Kringles

Panhandlers from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness are a common sight on the streets of American cities. But at this time of year, some members of the sect exchange their saffron robes for red suits and white whiskers and begin chanting a Western mantra: "Ho, ho, ho." Santa Claus may not be a Hindu deity, but the Hare Krishna people have discovered that he has a divine power to attract charitable donations.

Christian charities consider the Hare Santas to be a pain in the collection plate. Don Schwartz, Manhattan-based operations director for the Volunteers of America, complains that they often crowd his own Kris Kringles off the streets. In Kansas City, Mo., assault charges are pending against a Hare Santa who allegedly struck a Salvation Army bell ringer to make her move from a choice location. In Chicago, police arrested six Krishna Kringles for soliciting funds under false pretenses, then released them but ordered them to doff their Santa outfits. Nonetheless, the organization has no intention of changing its methods, pointing out --accurately--that no religious group has exclusive rights to the Santa symbol. Adds Krishna Public Affairs Director Mike Grant: "Our funds are being used for spiritual purposes and that, in the broader definition of charity, is charity."

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