Hindus Across Canada Hold Vigils to Mourn Victims of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
- authored by CoHNA Canada Leadership
Hundreds gather in Toronto and Montreal in remembrance, solidarity, and a call to action against anti-Hindu hate
In the wake of the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Islamist terrorists singled out and killed Hindu tourists after confirming their faith, Hindus across Canada came together in solemn vigils to honor the victims and stand against anti-Hindu hate.
Despite freezing temperatures, more than 500 people gathered at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto on Saturday April 26 to mourn the victims and light a flame of remembrance. Led by a Hindu priest (pandit), the ceremony included heartfelt prayers and saw wide participation from the broader community of all backgrounds. Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Iranian, Baloch, Sindhi, and Yezidi allies stood with us—in grief, solidarity, and strength.
“Let this gathering be our vow: to raise children who know dharma, to build institutions that guard our heritage, to write history that honors our dead, and to never again mistake cowardice for peace,” said Rishabh Saraswat, President of CoHNA Canada. “The horror in Pahalgam is not an isolated instance but part of a global pattern of violence directed against Hindus in multiple countries” he added, calling attention to Kashmir’s conflicted history of multiple waves of violence against its minority communities.
The Toronto event was organized by CoHNA and Canada Hindu Forum, with support from COHHE, Canadian Jain Association, VHP Canada, Canadian Hindu Volunteers, Canada India Foundation, Indo-Canadian Kashmir Forum, and CHCC.
At the same time in Montreal, CoHNA along with other Hindu groups organised a solemn vigil at the Hindu Mandir in Dollard-des-Ormeaux (DDO). Prayers were led by the temple pandit, followed by remarks from community elders and local political leaders. Senator Leo Housakos attended and urged Canada to stand with nations like India and Israel, who are on the frontlines of the global fight against terrorism. Members of the Jewish and Iranian communities also joined the Montreal vigil, standing shoulder to shoulder with Hindus in a shared commitment to remembrance, justice, and resilience.
“Speaking up against such extremism is essential—not only to prevent future atrocities, but also to affirm that the suffering of affected communities is seen and acknowledged. Silence only enables impunity, while raising our voices helps protect not just Hindus, but all people threatened by hatred and radicalization,” said Jay Mehta, Vice President of CoHNA Canada.
As the community lit candles and offered prayers across the country, they reaffirmed the pledge: to honor the victims’ memories, to fight back against rising anti-Hindu hate, and to work together across communities to uphold the values of peace, dignity, and justice for all.
Watch how the news covered it.
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