A video capturing an altercation between local residents and Japanese tourists at Varanasi's iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat has ignited a fierce debate on social media about cultural sensitivity and India's principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The guest is God). The incident, which occurred on December 25, involved tourists wearing Santa Claus caps, with one individual in red swimwear, reportedly preparing to bathe in the Ganga river.
The Viral Confrontation: What Happened at the Ghat?
According to a report by Dainik Bhaskar, the situation began when a group of devotees and local residents approached the tourists. The now-viral clip shows the visitors being surrounded and verbally confronted. A person in the video is heard stating, "Don’t you have common sense? This is our Holy River. So many people are taking a bath here. Fold your hands and apologise." The locals also accused the tourists of urinating in the river, a claim whose veracity remains unclear. As the atmosphere grew tense, one of the Japanese visitors offered an apology on the ghat's steps to defuse the situation.
Social Media Erupts: Hospitality vs. Religious Sentiment
The video quickly spread across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), polarising netizens. Many users condemned the treatment of the tourists, highlighting the contradiction with India's famed hospitality. One user remarked, "I’m not concluding who is right or wrong here. But since they are guests of the country, we can express the concern respectfully without being rude..." Another expressed shame, commenting, "As an Indian even I'm ashamed of our people in many cases. Apologies for their behaviour."
However, others defended the locals' actions, emphasising the sacred nature of the site. A contrasting viewpoint stated, "This happened at a religious ghat in Varanasi not a beach. Changing into bikinis at a sacred site offends local religious sensibilities." The debate centred on whether the reaction was a justified defence of religious customs or an unacceptable breach of guest etiquette.
Police Clarification and Peaceful Resolution
Following the incident, the Varanasi police issued an official statement to clarify events. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Kashi, stated on social media that the tourists were questioned by other pilgrims over bathing, apologized, and the matter was resolved peacefully. The police explicitly noted that no physical assault took place.
Atul Anjaan Tripathi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Varanasi, provided further details, calling it a brief argument stemming from a misunderstanding. He confirmed that both parties spoke afterwards, exchanged apologies, and settled the issue on the spot. The ACP also confirmed that no formal complaint was filed by either side, though police are looking into the circumstances to understand the dispute better.
The episode at Dashashwamedh Ghat serves as a complex reminder of the delicate balance between welcoming international visitors and respecting deeply held local traditions at India's most revered spiritual sites.
