India terms attack on Toronto Rath Yatra ‘despicable’, urges Canada to protect religious rights

India on Monday urged Canada to take necessary action to protect the religious rights of people after a Rath Yatra procession in Toronto turned tense as unknown individuals hurled eggs at devotees, sparking outrage and allegations of racism and xenophobia.

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Taking cognisance of the incident, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "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."

He added, "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."

The matter 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.

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik shared pictures of the incident on X and urged the MEA to take up the matter. "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.