India Slams Egg Attack On Rath Yatra In Toronto, Demands Action From Canada

India has formally expressed strong disapproval after a video surfaced online showing eggs being hurled at participants of a Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, Canada. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the act "despicable," describing it as "regrettable" and "against the spirit of the festival."

In an official statement, Jaiswal said, "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."

He added, "We have 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."

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

The incident came to light after Instagram user Sangna Bajaj shared a video on Sunday, showing eggs being thrown at a Rath Yatra procession she was attending in Toronto. In the video, Bajaj is seen singing devotional songs as the procession moves through the streets.

However, upon entering a less crowded area, broken eggs are seen scattered across the road.

Bajaj claimed the eggs were thrown by individuals from a nearby building. Despite the incident, she noted that the procession continued uninterrupted. "We were stunned. Hurt. But we didn't stop. Because hate can never overpower faith," she said in the video.

Labeling the incident as an example of racism in Canada, Bajaj shared her emotional response but emphasized the community's resilience. "We didn't stop. Because when Lord Jagannath is on the streets, no hate can shake us," she wrote in her caption.

The video has garnered over 1.7 lakh views since being posted.

Bajaj was participating in the 53rd annual Rath Yatra organized by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). As described by ISKCON, the Rath Yatra is a spirited public celebration involving chanting, singing, and bhajans on city streets to mark Lord Jagannath's journey.