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India condemns attack on Rath Yatra Procession in Toronto
New Delhi has called on Canada to ensure accountability and uphold the safety and religious freedom of all communities.
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Bhavana P - Mon, 14, Jul 2025
- 14:40 EDT
- 24
Attacks during the 53rd Rath Yatra, Canada / X/ Naveen_Odisha
India on July 14 strongly condemned the disruption of the 53rd annual Rath Yatra which took place in Toronto, Canada, on July 11.
The reaction comes after reports of an egg attack targeting devotees participating in the religious procession organized by ISKCON.
Also read: Utah temple shooting ‘shattered the myth of religious freedom,’ says VHPA
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the act as “despicable” and “regrettable,” emphasizing that it undermines the spirit of the festival, which promotes unity, inclusivity, and social harmony.
“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,” Jaiswal stated.
Our response to media queries regarding an incident during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, Canada
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 14, 2025
https://t.co/4KnXWKDVkX pic.twitter.com/Q262jZReJP
The incident occurred in downtown Toronto, where thousands of devotees had gathered to celebrate the Rath Yatra with singing, chanting, and devotional music. According to eyewitnesses and social media footage, unknown individuals reportedly hurled eggs onto the procession, causing shock and distress among participants. Despite the disruption, the event continued.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from political and community leaders in India. former Odisha Chief Minister and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concern and urged the Ministry of External Affairs to lodge a formal protest.
“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,” Patnaik said.
“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.
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