Ganga Aarti in Canada? NRI's viral ‘magical experience' video leaves netizens angered
Mississauga
, Canada, an Indian-origin woman captured what she called 'a slice of India'—but it's now the internet that's burning with debate. Priyanka Gupta, an
NRI
living in Canada, recently shared a
video
of a full-fledged Ganga Aarti—not on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, but beside the
Credit River
in
Erindale Park
. 'A divine vibe, miles from the Ganges,' read a part of her caption for the now-viral Instagram reel that has triggered a swirl of emotional and cultural commentary online.
Gupta shared that the
Ganga Aarti
Toronto 2025 was one of the most moving evenings she had experienced during her ten years abroad. The video shows devotees dressed in traditional attire, waving aarti thalis, as chants of "Har Har Gange" echo across the Canadian park. There was devotional music, mantras, and even a symbolic setup that replicated the sacred ambience of
India
's famed riverfront rituals. 'Living abroad doesn't mean letting go of who we are,' she wrote, describing the moment as one of connection and grounding for the
Indian diaspora
.
Internet reacts
While many applauded the effort as a beautiful celebration of heritage, others were quick to criticise the ritual's name and setting. 'There's a reason it's called Ganga Aarti,' one user commented, suggesting that performing the sacred ritual by any river other than the Ganges dilutes its sanctity. Some went further, urging NRIs to come back to India and focus on restoring the real Ganga in India rather than recreating its worship elsewhere.
'Hope they don't start polluting Canadian rivers like the Ganga,' one comment read, while another called the act 'embarrassing,' arguing that religious symbolism doesn't always translate well in foreign lands. A few even accused participants of harming India's image abroad and called for their return.
Still, support poured in, too. Many NRIs commented with pride and nostalgia. 'Har Har Gange,' wrote one user, praising the event's emotional resonance.
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