In a deeply appalling incident, Hindu devotees participating in the 53rd annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Toronto, Canada, were reportedly targeted by miscreants who pelted eggs at the procession. The event, organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), saw thousands of devotees pulling the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra while singing devotional hymns and participating in traditional festivities.
The incident occurred on July 11, when individuals allegedly from the rooftop of a nearby building hurled eggs at the devotees in procession. The act not only disrupted the sacred atmosphere but also hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. Videos of the event, now viral on social media, clearly show smashed eggs scattered on the street and sidewalk, sparking outrage across communities in India and abroad.
Condemnation from Odisha Leader Naveen Patnaik
Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik expressed deep anguish over the incident. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: ‘I am deeply saddened by reports of eggs being thrown at devotees during the Rath Yatra in Toronto, Canada. Such actions deeply wound the sentiments of Lord Jagannath’s followers and are especially painful for the people of Odisha, for whom this festival holds immense cultural and emotional value.’
Patnaik urged the Odisha government to take cognizance of the issue and called on India’s Ministry of External Affairs to formally register a protest with Canadian authorities.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs Reacts
The Government of India strongly condemned the incident. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the attack as ‘unfortunate and deplorable.’
‘We have received disturbing reports of miscreants attempting to disrupt the Rath Yatra in Toronto,’ Jaiswal stated. ‘Such acts are regrettable and go against the very spirit of the festival, which promotes unity, inclusivity, and social harmony. We have raised the matter firmly with Canadian authorities and expect strong action against the perpetrators.’
He further emphasized that the Indian government expects the Canadian administration to take all necessary steps to ensure the protection of religious rights and freedoms of all communities.
Concerns Over Rising Anti-Hindu Sentiment in Canada
This is not the first time that Hindu places of worship or festivals have come under attack in Canada. Incidents of vandalism and targeted aggression against Hindu temples have been reported with increasing frequency in recent years. The latest attack during the Rath Yatra has reignited concerns that anti-Hindu sentiment may be gaining ground in parts of Canadian society.
Observers and community leaders have pointed out that Canada has allowed open platforms for pro-Khalistan extremist elements, which has further strained relations with India. Now, with such open attacks on Hindu religious processions, there is growing fear that Hindu festivals are no longer safe in the country.
Calls for Diplomatic Pressure and Accountability
Public sentiment in India is that mere condemnation is not enough. Many are urging the Indian government to go beyond statements and apply diplomatic pressure to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
‘An attack on faith and culture cannot be tolerated,’ said one community leader. ‘India must demand accountability and ensure that Canadian authorities take strict action, not just issue token responses.’
The spotlight is now on Canadian authorities to demonstrate that such acts of religious intolerance will not be tolerated. India and concerned communities worldwide await concrete action, not just assurances.