Eggs hurled at Rath Yatra devotees in Toronto: Naveen Patnaik says 'deeply disturbed'

A peaceful celebration of the Rath Yatra in Toronto took a disturbing turn after eggs were allegedly hurled at devotees participating in a religious procession, triggering sharp condemnation from former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and a flurry of reactions on social media.

The incident came to light after Instagram user Sangna Bajaj posted a video showing devotees singing and chanting devotional songs in praise of Lord Jagannath on a Toronto street. According to her, the group was targeted by someone throwing eggs from a nearby building.

“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,” Bajaj wrote in the caption accompanying the video.

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A post shared by Sangna Bajaj (@sangnabajaj)

The video quickly went viral and sparked accusations of racism and xenophobia from viewers, particularly from within the Indian diaspora and Odia community. The Rath Yatra, a centuries-old chariot festival, is one of the most revered cultural and religious events for devotees of Lord Jagannath and is celebrated with grand processions across the world.

Reacting to the incident, Patnaik, who led Odisha for over two decades, said the reports were deeply distressing.

“Deeply disturbed to know about the reports of eggs being hurled at devotees during Ratha Jatra 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 said in a statement.

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

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— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 14, 2025

In her Instagram post, Bajaj also spoke of her personal reaction: “I was stunned and hurt by the egg-throwing incident but affirmed that hate will never overpower hate.”

While many online users condemned the act as hate-fueled and discriminatory, others pushed back, accusing the devotees of public disturbance.

“If you are going to create unnecessary noise pollution and inconvenience on the streets for some weird faith of yours then you deserve being treated the way you were,” read one comment, which drew widespread criticism for its insensitivity.

As of now, Canadian authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. Calls are growing for a thorough investigation and for steps to ensure the safety of religious communities during public festivals.