Japanese tourists faced harassment at Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat on Christmas Day, sparking a viral video and online debate on cultural sensitivity, local hospitality, and tourist safety. Police called it a misunderstanding, while reactions online remain divided.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A group of Japanese tourists visiting one of India’s holiest places became involved in a heated and uncomfortable situation on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. The incident, which was captured on video and later went viral, has led to widespread discussion online about how tourists are treated in India and the importance of cultural understanding on both sides.
Incident at Dashashwamedh Ghat
The incident took place at Dashashwamedh Ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. The tourists arrived wearing Santa Claus caps and swimwear. One man was seen wearing red briefs, while women in the group were dressed in bikinis. They had come to the ghat to take a holy dip in the river. However, their clothing quickly drew attention and anger from local devotees and pilgrims, who felt that such attire was disrespectful at a sacred Hindu site.
Escalation Over Allegations
As more people gathered, the situation worsened when an unproven claim spread that the tourists had urinated in the holy river. Although no evidence was shown.
Viral Video Shows Tension
Videos recorded by bystanders show the tourists looking scared and confused as locals shouted at them and demanded an apology. In the footage, one man can be heard saying, “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 Japanese tourists, including women and possibly children, sat on the steps of the ghat and repeatedly folded their hands in a namaste gesture, asking for forgiveness. One of them was also told to call their tour guide, while others continued to shout and asked the group to leave the area.
Police Response
The Varanasi Police later described the incident as a “misunderstanding.” Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi Zone) said that other pilgrims questioned the Japanese tourists about their bathing activity. According to the police, the tourists apologised, after which the issue was resolved on the spot. The officer confirmed that no physical assault took place. Assistant Commissioner of Police Atul Anjan Tripathi also stated that while an argument did occur, it ended peacefully with apologies from both sides.
No official complaint has been filed by either the tourists or the local people. However, the police are reviewing the viral video and looking into how the dispute started, so similar incidents can be avoided in the future.
Mixed Reactions Online
The video has triggered strong and divided reactions online. Many people criticised the behaviour of the locals, saying it amounted to harassment and moral policing, which goes against India’s long-standing belief of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are like God). One social media user wrote, “I’m not saying who is right or wrong. But since they are guests in our country, concerns should be expressed respectfully. It would also be great if people showed the same seriousness about stopping others from polluting the same holy river.” Another user said, “As an Indian, I feel ashamed in many cases. Apologies for this behaviour.”
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At the same time, several people defended the devotees. They argued that Dashashwamedh Ghat is a deeply religious place and not a tourist beach. According to them, wearing bikinis and festive hats at such a sacred site was offensive to local religious feelings. One commenter said, “This happened at a religious ghat in Varanasi, not a beach. Dressing like that at a holy place naturally hurts sentiments.”
Political reactions also emerged. The Samajwadi Party questioned the incident on X by posting, “World Guru? Good days? Guest is God?” Some locals and eyewitnesses said that making serious accusations against tourists from a friendly country like Japan was unnecessary and that the matter could have been handled politely through conversation.
Broader Concerns for Tourism
The incident has brought attention to larger concerns about tourist safety and cultural awareness in India’s spiritual destinations. Varanasi attracts visitors from around the world who come seeking spiritual experiences along the Ganges. Events like this risk damaging the city’s image. Similar incidents in the past, including harassment of foreign tourists during festivals, have already raised concerns.
Many people are now calling for clearer rules about appropriate clothing and behaviour at religious ghats, as well as better awareness and training for locals on how to deal with cultural differences. As of December 29, 2025, there have been no further updates, but the police investigation is still ongoing.
Mansi Sharma is a journalist covering Global Affairs, and wellness, known for turning complex ideas into sharp, engaging narratives. Her work is driven by curiosity, depth, and a constant urge to question and explore. When she’s not writing, you’ll often find her diving into new ideas—preferably with a cup of coffee in hand, one sip at a time.