Bhubaneswar: A peaceful Rath Yatra celebration by the Indian community in Toronto, Canada turned tense after eggs were allegedly hurled at the devotees participating in the religious procession. The incident, which occurred during the 53rd annual Rath Yatra organised by ISKCON, has drawn widespread condemnation and concern.

Sangna Bajaj, a Toronto-based Indian who took part in the festivities, shared her experience on Instagram, revealing that eggs were thrown at the procession from a nearby building. The group was engaged in devotional singing and chanting on the streets when the incident took place.

In a video posted by Bajaj, smashed eggs were seen scattered on the sidewalks. She stated that the act appeared aimed at disrupting the celebration but failed to deter the participants. “We were stunned. Hurt. But we didn’t stop. Because hate can never overpower faith,” she said.

The egg attack has triggered outrage among devotees of Lord Jagannath worldwide, especially in Odisha, where Rath Yatra holds immense religious and cultural importance.

Expressing deep concern over the incident, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik took to social media platform X, saying: "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 urged the Odisha government to take the matter seriously and asked the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to raise the issue with Canadian authorities.