New Delhi: On the occasion of Dev Deepawali, some people were seen urinating in public at Varanasi’s Namo Ghat. The video quickly went viral online, sparking discussions over hygiene and civic sense, on social media platforms.
Ghats of the most Ancient city Varanasi’s are famous for their spirituality and festivals especially during Dev Deepawali which is also known as the “Diwali of the Gods.” It is celebrated fifteen days after Diwali on the day of Kartik Purnima (full moon in the Hindu month of Kartik). Every year, thousands gather along the Ganga to witness the city light up with diyas and rituals.
Video gone viral
A user recorded three men peeing openly at the ghat. The camera also shows their urine flowing towards the holy Ganga. Shockingly, just a few meters away, a panipuri vendor can be seen selling snacks while people are eating, without any issue.
The caption shared with the video reads: “People peeing on the Namo Ghat on Dev Deepwali. One vendor is selling something edible next to them. Others are just walking by. Welcome to Indian civic sense.”
Internet Reacts
The video has crossed one lakh views after being shared on the internet. Many expressed shock and anger as they couldn’t believe the lack of hygiene at a sacred place during a major festival.
People peeing on the Namo-ghat on Dev-Deepwali.
One Vendor is selling something edible next to them.
Others are just walking by.
Welcome to Indian Civic sense. pic.twitter.com/ozSXl7aOig
— Tarun Gautam (@TARUNspeakss) November 8, 2025
One user commented, “Incredible India,” where devotion ends at the temple gate and hygiene takes a leak right outside it. Disgusting beyond words.”
Another said, “Classic Indian civic sense: some pee, some sell, some stroll… and we all just call it Dev-Deepwali!”
“Dev Deepawali celebrates purity and divinity, yet we can’t even respect our own sacred spaces. That’s the tragedy,” a person remarked.
“Appalled by the visuals from Namo Ghat. Defiling a holy river, during a festival, shows a deep disregard for both sanctity and public health. This isn’t a minor lapse, it’s a civic failure. Strict enforcement and citizen responsibility are non-negotiable for a clean, respectful India,” someone else wrote.
A viewer questioned, Why are men like that? Why can’t they wait till they find a public toilet? Women hardly do this kind of clownery, even when it’s an emergency. “5,000 years of civilisation, still struggling with finding a toilet,” read another remark.
Many users also criticised authorities for the lack of public toilets near the ghats, suggesting that better facilities could prevent such incidents.