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

India has strongly condemned an egg-throwing incident during the 53rd ISKCON Rath Yatra in Toronto. The attack occurred on July 11 and drew sharp criticism from Indian officials. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called the act “despicable” and “regrettable,” demanding swift action from Canadian authorities.

What Happened During the Rath Yatra?

Thousands of devotees gathered in downtown Toronto to celebrate the annual Rath Yatra, organized by ISKCON. This festival honors Lord Jagannath and promotes messages of unity and peace. As the chariot procession moved forward, unknown individuals threw eggs from a nearby building.

Social media quickly picked up the incident. Instagram user Sangna Bajaj shared a video that showed broken eggs on the road while devotees continued chanting. She wrote, “We were stunned, but we didn’t stop. Hate cannot overpower faith.”

India’s Official Response

The MEA reacted immediately. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have strongly raised this issue with Canadian authorities. Such acts oppose the values of freedom, inclusion, and mutual respect.”

India’s High Commission in Ottawa also contacted Toronto law enforcement. They urged authorities to find those responsible and protect the rights of religious communities.

Odisha’s Former Chief Minister Responds

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concern. He emphasized that Lord Jagannath is worshipped globally, and the Rath Yatra holds emotional importance, especially for Odia people. “The incident is disturbing. It hurts the sentiments of millions who revere this festival,” Patnaik stated.

Rising Concerns About Religious Intolerance

This incident is not isolated. In recent years, Hindu temples in Canada have faced vandalism. Some public events have seen protests or disruptions. Indian leaders and diaspora members fear that religious intolerance is rising.

Many believe political tension between India and Canada is creating space for such hate. As a result, extremists may feel emboldened. The Hindu Forum Canada released a statement saying, “Political disagreements must not translate into hate against faith groups.”

The Global Relevance of Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra is celebrated not only in India but also across the world. ISKCON holds processions in over 100 cities. Toronto’s celebration has run for more than five decades. It draws people from many cultures and backgrounds.

This festival spreads joy, spiritual reflection, and communal harmony. Attacking such an event is seen as an insult to these values. Many Indians abroad are questioning the commitment of Western countries to protect minority faiths.

Calls for Legal Action in Canada

Toronto Police have started an investigation. They are reviewing footage and speaking to witnesses. However, officials have not yet released a detailed update.

Community leaders are asking for firm legal action. They want those responsible charged under hate crime laws. “We seek justice—not revenge. We just want to worship and celebrate peacefully,” said a senior ISKCON member in Canada.

Widespread Public Outrage

The egg attack triggered a flood of reactions online. Many used hashtags like #RespectFaith and #RathYatraToronto to show support. Religious leaders, human rights activists, and diaspora groups voiced their anger.

Social media users called for stronger laws to protect cultural events. Others urged the Canadian government to publicly condemn the incident.

Final Thoughts: Unity Over Hate

The Rath Yatra represents peace, faith, and devotion. While this attack attempted to disrupt that spirit, the resilience of the devotees stood strong. India’s swift response shows its commitment to protecting religious freedom for its citizens everywhere.

What matters now is accountability. Canadian authorities must take visible steps to identify and punish the culprits. Only then can trust be restored.

Ultimately, incidents like this should not define the spirit of multiculturalism. Instead, they should remind all societies to stand firmly against hate and defend the values of respect and inclusion.