Entertainment or safety? Gujarati tourists turn landslide site into a Garba ground, draw criticism

A viral video on the internet, showing a group of Gujarati tourists performing Garba beside a landslide-hit road, has triggered widespread criticism on social media, sparking renewed discussions about tourist behaviour, safety awareness and the growing influence of viral content culture.

Caution or enjoyment- what should come first?

The incident reportedly took place in a mountainous region where a landslide had blocked a key road, causing traffic to come to a standstill. Several tourist buses and private vehicles were stranded near the affected stretch as authorities worked to address the disruption and clear the route.

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However, instead of waiting for the road to reopen, a group of tourists turned the unexpected delay into an impromptu Garba performance. Videos shared on X and Instagram showed the tourists dancing on the road while buses remained parked in the background. The landslide-affected area was also visible nearby in the footage.

The clips quickly gained traction online, drawing sharp reactions from users who questioned the appropriateness of the celebration given the circumstances. Many social media users described the behaviour as insensitive and poorly timed, arguing that the situation called for caution rather than entertainment.

Criticism all over the internet

While a small section of users defended the tourists, saying they were simply trying to stay positive and pass the time during a lengthy delay, criticism overwhelmingly dominated online discussions. Several users argued that the incident reflected a broader trend in which travellers prioritise creating viral content and social media engagement over situational awareness, safety and respect for their surroundings.

One user criticised the group for treating a potentially dangerous situation as entertainment, arguing that people should demonstrate greater awareness and restraint in areas affected by natural disasters. Others highlighted the serious consequences that landslides can have, including injuries, loss of life and significant disruption for local communities. According to many commenters, a site impacted by such an event was not an appropriate location for celebrations or social media content.

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Safety concerns were also raised, with some users pointing out that landslide-prone regions can remain unstable and unpredictable even after the initial collapse, posing risks to those in the vicinity.

The controversy comes amid a series of similar incidents involving Garba performances in unusual locations. In recent months, social media users have criticised groups for dancing on an airport tarmac near a VietJet aircraft in Vietnam, performing on the Great Wall of China, and creating disruptions at popular tourist attractions such as Hanoi's Train Street and landmarks in Japan.