London, UK: A video circulating online has captured Indian devotees performing the Ganesh Visarjan ritual in a river in the United Kingdom, triggering mixed reactions from netizens. The ten-day Ganeshotsav festival, which concludes with the immersion of Lord Ganesha idols, is currently being celebrated with grandeur across the globe. Among the many visuals shared, one clip from the UK has stood out, showing the immersion being carried out on a river as swans gracefully move around the boat.
Viral Video From the UK
The video was uploaded on Instagram by user Sandeep Anthwal and has already crossed 1.6 million views. It features a group of devotees, dressed in traditional attire, aboard a boat as they immerse a Ganesh idol in the flowing river. The unique sight of swans swimming nearby added to the visuals, leaving many viewers captivated, while others expressed concern.
Internet Reactions and Ongoing Debate
The video quickly fueled a debate across social media platforms. Some users appreciated the heartfelt cultural celebration taking place far from India, describing it as a "home away from home" moment. However, others raised environmental concerns, questioning whether immersing idols in rivers abroad was appropriate.
One viewer praised the act, saying, “This is such a beautiful reflection of our culture.” In contrast, another remarked, “Tradition should not come at the cost of polluting rivers and harming aquatic life.”
While some found the sight of swans gliding close to the idol “magical,” others highlighted the need to adapt traditions to protect the environment. A user noted, “Ganesh Chaturthi is about spreading positivity, not creating controversy.” Another added, “It’s inspiring to see Indian traditions celebrated with such devotion, no matter where in the world we are.”
