‘Despicable acts’: India denounces eggs being thrown at Rath Yatra in Toronto

“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,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in response to media queries.

Our response to media queries regarding an incident during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, Canada
🔗 https://t.co/4KnXWKDVkX pic.twitter.com/Q262jZReJP

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 14, 2025

The MEA spokesperson said they had “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,” Jaiswal said.

Expressing concern over the incident, former Odisha chief minister and the state’s Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said such incidents cause deep anguish to the people of Odisha.

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

“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,” Patnaik wrote on X, urging the Odisha chief minister to take the matter seriously and to urge the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to register protest with Canadian authorities.

In her post, the woman said: “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. This is not just a festival — it’s an unshakable belief”