'Despicable Act': India Urges Canada To Take Action After Eggs Thrown At Rath Yatra In Toronto

India has condemned the incident of eggs being hurled at Indians during a Rath Yatra procession in Toronto and taken up the matter with the Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators of the act accountable.

The incident took place during ISKCON’s 53rd annual Rath Yatra on July 11 when devotees gathered on the street for the procession. They were singing bhajans and chanting when someone from a nearby building threw eggs at them.

Reacting to the incident, MEA Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said: "We have seen reports regarding disruption created by mischievous elements during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto. Such despicable acts are regrettable and are against the spirit of the festival, which seeks to promote unity, inclusivity, and social harmony."

"We have strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators of the act accountable. We hope the Canadian Government will take necessary action to protect the religious rights of people," the MEA statement noted.

The issue was brought to light by a social media user who uploaded a video showing devotees singing and chanting devotional songs on the streets in Toronto when eggs were hurled at them.

"Someone from a nearby building threw eggs at us.. Why? Because faith makes noise? Because joy looked unfamiliar? We didn’t stop. Because when Lord Jagannath is on the streets, no hate can shake us," said Instagram user Sangna Bajaj.

"We were stunned. Hurt. But we didn’t stop. Because hate can never overpower faith," she added. The incident has since sparked a wave of outrage and allegations of racism and xenophobia.

Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik also shared pictures of the incident on X and expressed that he was deeply disturbed by the incident.He urged the Ministry of External Affairs to lodge a strong protest with the Canadian authorities against the matter.

"Deeply disturbed to know about the reports of eggs being hurled at devotees during #RathaJatra celebrations in Toronto, Canada. Such incidents not only grievously hurt the sentiments of Lord Jagannatha’s devotees worldwide, but also cause deep anguish to the people of #Odisha, for whom this festival holds profound emotional and cultural significance," he wrote on X.

About The Rath Yatra In Toronto

According to ISKCON’s own description on its website, the Rath Yatra is a loud festival, where devotees gather on the streets to sing bhajans and chant, while celebrating Lords Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi.

“This vibrant celebration brings the Supreme Lords—Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi—out from the temple and onto the streets, blessing everyone with Their merciful glances. From the thunderous kirtan echoing through downtown, to the spiritual oasis on Centre Island, this is a weekend to uplift your soul and ignite your bhakti,” the description on the ISKCON Toronto website read.

The Rath Yatra was held in Toronto on July 11 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the website noted.

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