• Source:JND
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A bikini-clad video of a foreign visitor swimming in the Ganga close to Rishikesh's famous Lakshman Jhula went gone viral, dividing people on the Internet. The woman, dressed in a bikini and with a garland of flowers around her neck, was standing by the holy river at the beginning of the now viral video. In what appeared to be an act of reverence, she folded her hands in prayer. She dipped into the water, dropped the garland, and started swimming.

The video has provoked a contentious discussion and is being widely circulated on social media. Some have criticized her actions as disrespectful to the sanctity of one of India's most treasured rivers, even when they seem innocuous to others.

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A large number of social media users defended her, stating that her motives did not appear to be improper. A portion of the Internet harshly condemned the move, claiming that it violated Indian customs. They say it demonstrates a lack of consideration for religious feelings.

A user wrote, "We shouldn’t do moral policing on petty topics like these. She’s wearing a proper attire for swimming or taking bath in the river." Another user wrote,"Maa Ganga is a sacred river, not a beach or a swimming pool. Show respect wear decent attire, not a bikini." A third user wrote, "I am thinking, why didn’t people stop them? Waise toh Indian women aisa karti toh case ho jaata, lekin foreigners kare toh kuch nahi."

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The incident has once again brought attention to the fine line that must be drawn between respect for one's culture and freedom of expression, especially in areas of spiritual significance like Rishikesh, which welcomes thousands of foreign visitors annually.

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