A Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, Canada, was disrupted when unknown individuals threw eggs at devotees, sparking outrage and condemnation. The incident, which occurred during ISKCON's 53rd annual Rath Yatra, has led to allegations of racism and xenophobia, with the Indian government demanding action from Canadian authorities.
The incident came to light after a social media user, Sangna Bajaj, posted a video on Instagram showing broken eggs on the sidewalks near the procession. Bajaj, who was part of the procession, stated that the eggs were thrown from a nearby building while devotees were singing and chanting devotional songs. She questioned whether the attack was motivated by intolerance towards their faith and celebration. Despite feeling "stunned" and "hurt," Bajaj emphasized that the devotees continued the procession, asserting that "hate can never overpower faith".
The incident has been widely condemned. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the act as "despicable" and "regrettable," stating that it goes against the spirit of the festival, which promotes unity, inclusivity, and social harmony. The MEA has said that the matter has been strongly taken up with Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure the protection of religious rights.
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressed his concern, calling the incident "deeply disturbing" and hurtful to the sentiments of Lord Jagannatha's devotees worldwide, particularly the people of Odisha for whom the festival holds profound emotional and cultural significance. He urged the Ministry of External Affairs to lodge a strong protest with the Canadian authorities.
The Rath Yatra, originating in Puri, Odisha, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated globally. ISKCON describes the Rath Yatra as a vibrant celebration where devotees gather on the streets to sing and chant bhajans, bringing the deities Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi out from the temple to bless everyone.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions on social media. While many have condemned the act as racist and xenophobic, others have accused the devotees of creating a public nuisance by bringing religion to the streets. Some have suggested that religious practices should be confined to temples, mosques, and churches or private venues.
This incident is not isolated, as several Hindu temples in Canada have been targeted in recent months. These attacks have raised concerns about religious intolerance and the rise of extremist elements. Some have speculated the involvement of radical groups in the egg-throwing incident, although there has been no official confirmation. The incident also occurs amidst strained India-Canada relations, adding a geopolitical dimension to the issue.
