Some Japanese tourists were allegedly harassed by a group of devotees while visiting Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi on December 25, leading to an argument that was later described by police as a misunderstanding.
According to reports, the tourists were preparing to take a bath at the ghat when some devotees stopped them and accused them of urinating in the Ganga. A video of the incident, which later went viral on social media, shows the devotees confronting the tourists, who appeared scared and confused.
In the video, one of the devotees can be heard telling a tourist, “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 tourist was also asked to call his tour guide. Feeling threatened, one of the Japanese tourists was seen sitting on the steps of the ghat and apologising with folded hands.
The tourists were wearing swimsuits and Santa Claus caps, as they were visiting the city during Christmas with their families. Witnesses said the argument lasted for some time and that the tourists were verbally abused and eventually moved away from the area. The family, including women and children, appeared visibly frightened in the video.
Reacting to the incident, the Varanasi Police issued a statement through the Kashi Deputy Commissioner of Police’s account. The police said, “Japanese tourists were questioned by other pilgrims over bathing. The tourists apologised, after which the matter was resolved peacefully. There was no physical assault.”
Assistant Commissioner of Police Atul Anjan Tripathi said the incident happened due to a misunderstanding between the two sides. “There was an argument for some time, but later both parties spoke to each other, apologised, and resolved the issue on the spot,” he said. He added that no formal complaint has been filed by either side and that the police are looking into the matter to understand how the dispute began.
The video has triggered strong reactions on social media, with many users condemning the behaviour and calling it disrespectful to foreign visitors. Several people said the incident went against the spirit of hospitality and could harm the image of Varanasi and tourism in India.
