Eggs Hurled At Devotees During Rath Yatra In Canada, Naveen Patnaik Says ‘Deeply Disturbed’ | World News

“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.

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.”

“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 bhakts, this 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.