Latest news with #LordJagannathYatra
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First Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Lord Jagannath Yatra pelted with eggs in Toronto: How Hindus are targeted in Canada
The annual Lord Jagannath Yatra in Canada's Toronto was marred over the weekend when unidentified miscreants pelted devotees with eggs. India has reacted strongly to the attack, calling on Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable. This incident is the latest instance of Hindus being attacked in the North American nation — over the past few months, several temples have been defaced or desecrated read more Over the weekend, Hindus held the annual Lord Jagannath Yatra in Toronto. The procession was marred when eggs were pelted at devotees. Image Courtesy: X Hinduism is the third largest religion in Canada, as per the 2021 census. However, it appears that Hindus in the country continue to be victims of religiously motivated attacks. The latest instance — the alleged disrespect to Lord Jagannath's rath yatra in Toronto when eggs were hurled at the procession. The incident prompted India's Ministry of External Affairs to issue a statement in which it denounced the move, adding that the matter had been strongly taken up with Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This isn't a lone incident of Hindus being targeted in Canada — there have been several instances of vandalism and attacks on Hindu temples in the past few months. Does this mean Hindus are unsafe in the North American country? What's going on? Eggs hurled at Rath Yatra in Toronto Over the weekend, Hindus in Canada carried out a Lord Jagannath rath yatra in Toronto. According to a video now posted online, people are seen walking, chanting names of Lord Jagannath and dancing. However, at one point, one can hear someone say, 'Kisi ne yaha par abhi aande feke hai (Someone just threw eggs here).' Soon after, the camera turns and one can see smashed eggs on the road. Despite the egg situation, the procession didn't stop and they continued. The women, who posted the video, also said: '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. This is not just a festival — it's an unshakable belief' India strongly reacts Shortly after the video was posted on social media, former Odisha chief minister and the state's Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said such incidents cause deep anguish to the people of Odisha. Taking to X, Patnaik 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.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The former CM also urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to register a strong protest with Canadian authorities over the incident. And on Monday (July 14), the MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a press briefing denounced the incident, saying they had taken it up with Canadian authorities. Our response to media queries regarding an incident during the Rath Yatra procession in Toronto, Canada 🔗 — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 14, 2025 Jaiswal said the disruption was caused by 'mischievous elements'. 'Such despicable acts are regrettable and are against the spirit of the festival, which seeks to promote unity, inclusivity, and social harmony,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'We have strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities to hold the perpetrators of the act accountable.' He added that the Indian side hopes the Canadian government will take 'necessary action to protect the religious rights of people'. Hindu temples under attack in Canada But the incident at the Lord Jagannath yatra in Toronto isn't a single incident. In recent years, several Hindu temples have also been vandalised across the country, often with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti. For instance, earlier in April, a Hindu Laxmi Narayan Temple in Surrey, Canada was vandalised by Khalistani extremists. The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce shared a video of the graffiti on social media platform X, calling the act 'Hinduphobia.' The organisation expressed outrage, saying, 'We strongly condemn the vandalism of Laxmi Narayan Mandir in British Coumbia (BC) by Khalistani extremists.' The Chamber further urged all Canadians to unite against hate and take swift action, declaring that 'silence is not an option.' The desecration of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, BC in April. File image/ And almost 20 days prior to that, the Sri Krishna Brundavana Temple in the Greater Toronto Area was vandalised by two men. A video showed the two miscreants leaving a pub in the area before walking to the temple, where they were seen ripping down and damaging a sign at the entrance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last November too, a Hindu temple was attacked in Canada. The Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in the Canadian city of Brampton, just outside of Toronto, was attacked by a violent group of men, carrying flags of pro-Khalistani groups. Videos posted to social media showed what appeared to be fist fights and people hitting each other with poles on the temple grounds. This incident even prompted condemnation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he asked the Canadian government to 'ensure justice and uphold the rule of law'. Activists and supporters of the Hindu Sikh Global Forum hold placards as they take part in a protest near the Canadian embassy in New Delhi against the attack on a Hindu temple in the city of Brampton, near Toronto in Canada. File image/AFP In July, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton was reportedly vandalised with anti-India graffiti, targeting PM Narendra Modi and Canadian MP Chandra Arya. This was the fourth incident since September 2022 in which a BAPS temple was targeted in Canada. Last February, burglars targeted the Vaishno Devi Mandir in Oakville, looting a significant amount of cash from the donation boxes placed before the idols, ransacking offices and stealing other items. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Many note that at the heart of rising Hinduphobia incidents in Canada is the Khalistan movement. Banned in India, the Khalistan movement continues to flourish in the North American nation, with Indian officials accusing Canada of harbouring Sikh extremists and allowing more hardline elements of the Khalistan movement to thrive. With inputs from agencies
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Traffic in south Delhi likely to be disrupted till evening due to Jagannath Yatra
New Delhi: Vehicle movement in parts of south Delhi, particularly along the Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Aurobindo Marg, August Kranti Marg, and adjoining routes, is likely to be disrupted until late Friday evening due to the scheduled Lord Jagannath Yatra, which will take place from 2 pm to 6 pm. Commuters heading to airports or railway stations are advised to leave early and use public transport to reduce congestion. (Representative photo) The Delhi traffic police have issued an advisory in view of the religious procession, which will restrict vehicle movement on Aurobindo Marg, stretching from IIT Flyover to AIIMS Loop. Vehicles heading towards MG Road, Mehrauli, or Gurugram will face diversions via Ring Road and August Kranti Marg. Commuters from Mehrauli to New Delhi are advised to take Outer Ring Road and Panchsheel flyover instead. 'Emergency vehicles, including Delhi Police, ambulances for AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital, fire brigade will be allowed free access where restrictions/diversion are imposed, but are advised to avoid Aurobindo Marg if possible,' a statement issued by the traffic police said. According to the traffic police, congestion is expected in these areas and commuters should be mindful about the parking. 'Park only in designated areas. Improperly parked vehicles will be towed and penalised,' the statement added. Commuters heading to airports or railway stations are advised to leave early and use public transport to reduce congestion. For real-time updates, the Delhi Traffic Police have asked commuters to follow their social media handles. 'Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to nearby officers or by dialling 112,' an officer said.
United News of India
27-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
PM greets people on Lord Jagannath Yatra and wishes Kutchi community on Ashadhi Bij
New Delhi, June 27 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today greeted people on the occasion of Lord Jagannath Yatra and wished that this festival brings happiness, prosperity and good health in everyone's life. 'My best wishes to all the countrymen on the holy occasion of Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra. I wish that this holy festival of faith and devotion brings happiness, prosperity, good fortune and good health in everyone's life. Jai Jagannath !' the Prime Minister tweeted. In a separate post the Prime Minister also greeted the Kutchi community across the world on the occasion of Ashadhi Bij. 'May the year ahead bring peace, prosperity and wonderful health for everyone,' he said. Ashadhi Bij is celebrated every year on the second day of the month of Ashdha as Hindu New Year by Kutchi community in the Kutch region of Gujarat. UNI RB ARN
