India slams egg attack on Rath Yatra in Toronto as ‘despicable’, urges Canadian action

India has sharply condemned an incident in Toronto where eggs were hurled at devotees participating in a Rath Yatra procession, calling it a “despicable” act that disrespects the spirit of a sacred festival and deeply hurts religious sentiments.

Reacting to media reports and social media posts about the July 15 incident, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had “strongly” taken up the matter with Canadian authorities and demanded action against those responsible.

“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,” Jaiswal said. “We hope the Canadian Government will take necessary action to protect the religious rights of people.”

A woman participating in the annual chariot procession posted on Instagram that the eggs were thrown from a nearby building. “Why? Because faith makes noise? Because joy looked unfamiliar?” she wrote. “We didn’t stop. Because when Lord Jagannath is on the streets, no hate can shake us. This is not just a festival — it’s an unshakable belief.”

The incident has sparked a wave of outrage, particularly in Odisha — the home state of Lord Jagannath’s iconic temple in Puri — where the Rath Yatra holds immense cultural and spiritual significance.

“Deeply disturbed to know about the reports of eggs being hurled at devotees during #RathaJatra celebrations in Toronto, Canada,” former Odisha chief minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik wrote on X. “Such incidents not only grievously hurt the sentiments of Lord Jagannatha’s devotees worldwide, but also cause deep anguish to the people of Odisha.”

Patnaik urged the Odisha government to take up the matter with the MEA and push for a formal protest with Canadian authorities.

The Toronto Rath Yatra is an annual celebration that draws thousands of participants from the Indian diaspora and other communities. Organisers and attendees have expressed shock over the incident, emphasizing that the festival symbolizes peace, devotion, and inclusivity — values that stand in stark contrast to the act of hate they witnessed.