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Eggs were thrown at a Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, prompting accusations of racism and xenophobia after videos showed devotees being targeted while singing devotional songs.
Eggs thrown at Rath Yatra in Canada
UPDATED: Jul 14, 2025 18:56 IST
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.
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Published By:
Priya Pareek
Published On:
Jul 14, 2025
