Japanese Tourists Harassed at Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat

New Delhi, December 29, 2025: A wave of public indignation has been sparked by a viral video emerging from the holy city of Varanasi this weekend. On December 25, 2025, a group of Japanese tourists was observed being subjected to aggressive behavior by local residents while attempting to bathe in the Ganga at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The incident, which unfolded on Christmas Day, has raised serious questions regarding the safety and hospitality extended to international guests in India’s spiritual capital.

Apologies Met with Hostility

The viral footage captures a deeply distressing scene where the Japanese visitors are observed being surrounded and confronted by a group of men. Despite the tourists being seen with their hands folded in a gesture of “Namaste” and repeatedly apologizing for any perceived mistake, the harassment was continued by the locals. It was reported that the altercation was triggered by allegations that the tourists were bathing in “inappropriate” attire or behaving in a manner that locals deemed disrespectful to the sanctity of the river.

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Police Response: A “Misunderstanding”

Following the widespread circulation of the video, an official statement was released by the Varanasi Police on December 28, 2025. It was clarified by authorities that the incident was the result of a “misunderstanding” between the visitors and the locals regarding the rules of the ghat. According to the police, the local residents believed that one of the tourists was urinating in the water, a claim that led to the heated exchange. However, no formal complaint was lodged by either party, and the matter was reportedly resolved on the spot after police intervention.

Impact on “Atithi Devo Bhava”

The incident has triggered a fierce debate online concerning the “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God) philosophy that India prides itself on. Netizens have been observed criticizing the aggressive tone used by the locals, arguing that even if a mistake was made, it should have been addressed with politeness rather than intimidation. It was noted by tourism experts that such videos can significantly damage Varanasi’s reputation as a welcoming destination for global travelers, especially those from Japan who share a deep cultural and religious bond with the city.

Calls for Sensitization and Vigilance

As the year 2025 draws to a close, the “Varanasi viral video” serves as a reminder of the need for better crowd management and sensitization of local guides and residents. Demands for increased presence of Tourist Police at the major ghats have been echoed by several social organizations to prevent such “moral policing” incidents in the future. While the Japanese guests have since left the city, the footage remains a focal point for discussions on the balance between preserving local traditions and ensuring the dignity of every visitor.