A shocking incident has marred the sanctity of the Ratha Yatra festival in Toronto, Canada, where devotees celebrating the annual Hindu chariot procession were allegedly pelted with eggs.
The event, organised by the Indian diaspora and ISKCON Toronto, took place over the weekend of July 12-13, 2025. The act has triggered widespread condemnation, particularly in Odisha, the cultural heartland of the festival, with opposition leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik demanding immediate action.
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,… pic.twitter.com/UeawCx6lYt
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 14, 2025
According to reports, the procession, which featured the grand chariot of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi, was disrupted when eggs were hurled from a nearby building. Instagram user Sangita Bajaj, a participant, captured the aftermath, sharing images of broken eggs on the street and labelling the incident as a “racist” attack. Despite the provocation, devotees continued the celebration, showcasing resilience amid the hurt.
The Ratha Yatra, originating in Puri, Odisha, is one of the oldest and largest Hindu festivals, drawing millions globally. For Odias, it holds profound emotional and spiritual significance, making this incident particularly distressing.
Naveen Patnaik expressed his dismay on X, stating, “Deeply disturbed to know about the reports of eggs being hurled at devotees during #RathaJatra celebrations in Toronto… If these media reports are accurate, the #Odisha Government should take the matter seriously and urge the Ministry of External Affairs (@MEAIndia) to register a strong protest with the Canadian authorities.”
Some have speculated involvement of radical groups, though no official confirmation exists. This event comes amid strained India-Canada relations, highlighted by the 2023 Nijjar case, adding a geopolitical layer to the cultural dispute.
Odisha’s government is yet to respond officially, but pressure is mounting for diplomatic intervention. The Ministry of External Affairs may issue a statement by Tuesday, July 15, 2025, if the reports are substantiated.
As the global Odia community mourns this affront, the incident raises questions about multicultural coexistence and the protection of religious expression abroad. Updates on the investigation and official responses are awaited as the situation unfolds.
