Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney marked the beginning of Ram Navami celebrations by joining the Hindu community at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto.
Observed over nine days, Ram Navami— also known as Ram Navratri — concludes the Navratri festival, which honors Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navdurga. The final day commemorates the birth of Lord Ram, one of Hinduism’s most revered deities.
Sharing his experience on X, Carney posted, "Joined Hindu community members at the @BAPS_Toronto Mandir yesterday for the first day of Ram Navami celebrations. Thank you for sharing your traditions and culture with me. Happy Ram Navami!"
His participation in the festival was welcomed by Cabinet Minister Anita Anand, who also took to X to share photos from the event. "So pleased to welcome @MarkJCarney on his first visit to @baps_toronto to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. A very Happy Ram Navami!" she wrote.
Carney’s visit to the temple has sparked broader conversations about the state of Hindu representation in Canadian public life. The Hindu Canadian Foundation , a non-profit organization advocating for Hindu interests across the country, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
In a social media post, the organization noted, "The past few years have posed significant challenges for the Hindu community, which numbers over a million. Known for abiding by rules and laws, Hindus seamlessly assimilate into the cultures they move to. Despite being among the highest earners and leading successful lives, they maintain a low profile and often refrain from engaging in political decisions. This sometimes leads to underrepresentation, leaving the community vulnerable."
The Foundation also addressed the recent rise in anti-Hindu sentiment, attributing it to separatist influences. It urged the incoming federal administration to take meaningful action. "The recent surge in anti-Hindu sentiment, fueled by rising separatist groups, has deeply affected every Hindu Canadian. Addressing these pressing issues will be a critical focus for the upcoming government," the organization added.
Notably, Carney’s appearance at the Mandir comes just weeks before the federal elections scheduled for April 28.
Observed over nine days, Ram Navami— also known as Ram Navratri — concludes the Navratri festival, which honors Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navdurga. The final day commemorates the birth of Lord Ram, one of Hinduism’s most revered deities.
Sharing his experience on X, Carney posted, "Joined Hindu community members at the @BAPS_Toronto Mandir yesterday for the first day of Ram Navami celebrations. Thank you for sharing your traditions and culture with me. Happy Ram Navami!"
His participation in the festival was welcomed by Cabinet Minister Anita Anand, who also took to X to share photos from the event. "So pleased to welcome @MarkJCarney on his first visit to @baps_toronto to celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. A very Happy Ram Navami!" she wrote.
Joined Hindu community members at the @BAPS_Toronto Mandir yesterday for the first day of Ram Navami celebrations. Thank you for sharing your traditions and culture with me. Happy Ram Navami! pic.twitter.com/dh5jFBuJIC
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 6, 2025
Carney’s visit to the temple has sparked broader conversations about the state of Hindu representation in Canadian public life. The Hindu Canadian Foundation , a non-profit organization advocating for Hindu interests across the country, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
In a social media post, the organization noted, "The past few years have posed significant challenges for the Hindu community, which numbers over a million. Known for abiding by rules and laws, Hindus seamlessly assimilate into the cultures they move to. Despite being among the highest earners and leading successful lives, they maintain a low profile and often refrain from engaging in political decisions. This sometimes leads to underrepresentation, leaving the community vulnerable."
The Foundation also addressed the recent rise in anti-Hindu sentiment, attributing it to separatist influences. It urged the incoming federal administration to take meaningful action. "The recent surge in anti-Hindu sentiment, fueled by rising separatist groups, has deeply affected every Hindu Canadian. Addressing these pressing issues will be a critical focus for the upcoming government," the organization added.
Notably, Carney’s appearance at the Mandir comes just weeks before the federal elections scheduled for April 28.
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