Video: Eggs thrown at Rath Yatra in Canada, Naveen Patnaik says deeply disturbed

A Rath Yatra procession in Toronto turned tense after unknown individuals hurled eggs at devotees, sparking a wave of outrage and allegations of racism and xenophobia. The issue came to light after a social media user uploaded a video showing devotees singing and chanting devotional songs on the streets of Toronto when someone from a nearby building threw eggs 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,” said the Toronto-based NRI.

Naveen Patnaik, former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD chief, shared pictures of the incident on X and urged the Ministry of External Affairs to lodge a strong protest.

“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.

Patnaik further urged the state and the Central governments to take the matter seriously.

The incident took place during ISKCON’s 53rd annual Rath Yatra. By ISKCON’s own description, the Rath Yatra is a loud festival, where devotees gather on the streets to sing and chant bhajans.

“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,” reads the description on the ISKCON Toronto website.

The Rath Yatra in Toronto was celebrated on July 11 from 11 am to 1 pm, as per the website.

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