A viral video showing a group of Japanese tourists allegedly facing harassment over their attire at the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, drew sharp reactions on social media, prompting a broader conversation on hospitality towards foreign visitors.
The incident occurred, reportedly on December 25, when the group of tourists, wearing Santa hats and red swimwear, were preparing to bathe in the Ganga. Some local people objected to their attire and ‘behaviour’, accusing them of disrespecting the sanctity of the river and one of them of urinating in the river.
“In this incident, the Japanese tourists were confronted by other visitors about an inappropriate act while bathing, after which the tourists apologised and the dispute was resolved. No physical violence or assault occurred,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Kashi Zone, in a statement on Monday (December 29, 2025). No formal complaint has been recorded over the incident.
Social media users and Opposition parties targeted the government and the ‘anti-social elements’ involved in the incident, calling them enemies of Varanasi. They said the city is spiritual, yet foreign guests are publicly humiliated by some ignorant people. “Japanese tourists were mobbed, harassed, and verbally abused in Varanasi — then forced to apologise for wearing a swimsuit and a Santa Claus hat. Let that sink in. A country that claims ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, a city that calls itself spiritual, yet guests are publicly humiliated by a mob,” wrote a user on X.
