India protests after Rath Yatra in Toronto disrupted by 'mischievous elements', eggs thrown at devotees
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Deccan Herald
14-07-2025
- Deccan Herald
India protests after Rath Yatra in Toronto disrupted by 'mischievous elements', eggs thrown at devotees
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,…
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Time of India
Eggs hurled at Rath Yatra devotees in Toronto: Viral video sparks outrage; Naveen Patnaik demands MEA action
Screengrab from video by Sangna Bajaj A peaceful Rath Yatra procession in Toronto was disrupted when residents of a nearby building allegedly hurled eggs at devotees. The incident gained attention after a video went viral on Instagram, capturing eggs thrown near the procession. Narrating the incident, Sangna Bajaj wrote on Instagram, '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." The Toronto based user said the procession continued despite the disruption with participants maintaining their devotion and spirit. 'We were stunned. Hurt. But we didn't stop. Because hate can never overpower faith,' she said. The attack took place during Iskcon's 53rd annual Rath Yatra in Toronto, celebrated on July 11 from 11 am to 1 pm. According to Iskcon, the Rath Yatra is a public and vibrant celebration where devotees bring the deities, Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi, out onto the streets, accompanied by loud kirtans and devotional singing. Also read: India slams Rath Yatra disruption in Toronto, calls incident 'despicable'; urges Canada to act against perpetrators The Indian government has formally raised concerns with Canada over the incident and urged that those responsible be held accountable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Learn More Undo Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the incident as "despicable" and "regrettable," stating, "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,' he added. Former Odisha chief minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concern over the incident. "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," he wrote in a post on X sharing images of the procession. Patnaik urged the ministry of external affairs to lodge a strong protest and called on both the Centre and the Odisha state government to take the matter seriously. The video drew mixed reactions online. While many condemned the act, calling it 'deeply disrespectful,' others offered a more critical take on public religious events. One user wrote, 'Throwing eggs at the Jagannath Ratha Yatra in Canada is a deeply disrespectful act and must be condemned in the strongest terms.' Another commented, 'If you bring religion to the streets, you need to factor in all this as well—goes for any religion, for that matter. '
India Gazette
14-07-2025
- India Gazette
"Deeply disturbed": Naveen Patnaik on reports of eggs hurled at Ratha Jatra devotees in Toronto; urges Odisha Govt, MEA to act
Toronto [Canada], July 14 (ANI): Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday expressed deep concern over reports of eggs being hurled at devotees during the Ratha Jatra celebrations in Toronto, Canada, calling the incident deeply disturbing and hurtful to the sentiments of devotees of Lord Jagannatha worldwide. 'Deeply disturbed to know about the reports of eggs being hurled at devotees during Ratha Jatra 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,' Patnaik said in a post on X. Urging prompt action, he called on the Odisha Government and the Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter with Canadian authorities. 'If these media reports are accurate, the Odisha Government should take the matter seriously and urge the Ministry of External Affairs to register a strong protest with the Canadian authorities,' he added. The remarks came in response to posts by Toronto-based Instagram user Sangna Bajaj, who alleged that eggs were thrown at devotees from a nearby building during the celebrations. 'People from a building throw eggs at us,' she wrote in one post. In another, she stated, 'Someone from a nearby building threw eggs at us. Have you ever experienced discrimination for your faith?' In a troubling recurrence of targeted attacks on Hindu places of worship across Canada, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton fell victim once more to vandalism. The recent attack adds to a string of similar incidents documented in recent years, underscoring a distressing trend of religious intolerance. Last year, a Hindu temple in Windsor suffered defacement with anti-India graffiti, sparking widespread condemnation and calls for action from both Canadian and Indian officials. Earlier incidents in Mississauga and Brampton saw temples similarly targeted, drawing strong reactions from the Indian community in Canada. Canadian law enforcement agencies have been urged to take proactive measures to address these threats and ensure the safety and security of all religious communities in Canada. The incidents have prompted renewed discussions on bolstering security measures around Hindu temples and enhancing efforts to combat extremist propaganda. Meanwhile, several global reports have highlighted the growing concerns over Khalistani sympathisers operating within Canada, with incidents often linked to calls for an independent Khalistan state in India's Punjab region. (ANI)
