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Sangna Bajaj uploaded a video on Instagram showing eggs being hurled at Rath Yatra celebrations in Toronto, sparking accusations of racism and xenophobia.
Eggs were hurled at devotees during Rath Yatra celebrations in Canada. (Sangna Bajaj/Instagram)
Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday expressed deep concern over reports of eggs being thrown at devotees during Rath Yatra celebrations in Canada’s Toronto, sparking accusations of racism and xenophobia.
The issue came to light after a user uploaded a video on Instagram, showing devotees singing and chanting devotional songs on the streets of Toronto when someone from a nearby building hurled eggs at the devotees.
“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,” said Instagram user Sangna Bajaj.
MEA Responds To ‘Despicable’ Incident
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, called the incident “despicable” and said the matter was taken up with Canadian authorities.
“Such despicable acts are regrettable and are against the spirit of the festival, which seeks to promote unity, inclusivity, and social harmony. We have strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators of the act accountable,” he said in a statement.
“We hope the Canadian Government will take necessary action to protect the religious rights of people.”
Naveen Patnaik Raises Concerns
Reacting to the reports, Patnaik said, “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.”
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
“If these media reports are accurate, the Odisha Government should take the matter seriously and urge the Ministry of External Affairs to register a strong protest with the Canadian authorities,” he added.
“Throwing eggs at devotees during Ratha Jatra isn’t just an act of disrespect, it’s a direct attack on faith, culture, and harmony. For millions of Jagannath bhaktsthis festival is sacred. For Odisha, it’s an emotion. If this happened in Canada, the Indian government must raise it strongly,” a user said, responding to Patnaik’s message.
In her Instagram post, Bajaj said she was stunned and hurt by the egg-throwing incident but affirmed that hate will never overpower hate. Her video sparked accusations of racism on social media, although many people accused the devotees of creating a public nuisance.
“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,” a user said.
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
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