Eggs hurled at ISKCON's untimely Rath Yatra in Canada

In a deeply disturbing and condemnable incident, eggs were hurled during an untimely Ratha Jatra (Rath Yatra) organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Toronto, Canada. The incident came to light after a devotee shared a video of the outrageous occurrence on social media.

EggsHurledDuringUntimelyRathYatra

Recently, a devotee shared a video on social media that gives glimpses into the untimely Rath Yatra on the streets of Toronto. In the clip, the devotee radiates her excitement for participating in the Rath Yatra. Devotees can be seen immersed in the devotion of Lord Jagannath while singing and dancing.

However, some unidentified people started hurling eggs at the Rath Yatra procession and devotees. The clip further shows broken eggs on the road.

Though the incident disturbed and hurt the devotees, they continued the procession.

NaveenPatnaikUrgesOdishaGovtToTakeMatterSeriously

The disturbing incident of hurling eggs at devotees and the Rath Yatra procession has deeply hurt the sentiments of Lord Jagannath's devotees across the world.

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik condemned the incident and took to social media to express his anguish. He wrote, "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, for whom this festival holds profound emotional and cultural significance." (sic)

Further, he urged the Odisha Government to take the matter seriously and urge the Ministry of External Affairs to register a strong protest with the Canadian authorities to take appropriate steps.

UntimelyRathaJatraByISKCON

Rath Yatra is a sacred event for millions of devotees of Lord Jagannath. However, ISKCON has been organizing Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) events at various times throughout the year in cities across the globe, often not aligned with the traditional date of Rath Yatra as observed in Puri, Odisha.