VIP Culture: Haridwar Devotees Slam VIP Access To Ganga Aarti

A viral video from Haridwar, a sacred religious site for Hindus, has sparked controversy over the VIP culture at sacred locations. The footage widely circulated on social media points out the stark contrast in how devotees are treated at the Ganga Ghat. VIP worshippers are given preference and allowed to sit in the front during prayers, while regular attendees are cramped in the back, waiting for the aarti ceremony to begin.

In the video, a man vents out of frustration with this ‘VIP culture,’ saying that the time to reach God has begun to be monetized. “If you have money, you can sit in the front and receive special treatment from the priest,” he says, speculating about amounts. “Lakhs, thousands. If you have money in your pocket, then only God is with you,” he added, showing his discontent.

The video also depicts a security man asking people to donate money for Ganga aarti, saying that it is between 101 and 501 rupees and is also used to provide free food. A user of Instagram who posted the video wrote, “The way faith has been monetized in Haridwar. Here, if you give money, you can go forward and pray. Else, you are behind.”

Other viewers have echoed the same sentiments with one commenting that VIP culture cuts across all sectors, including temples, stadiums, or even voting lines. “In most places – not just temples – there are common people, VIPs, VVIPs, VVVIPs, and so on. Unfortunately, everybody wants exclusivity! But no one wants others to have exclusivity that they don’t have. And so the cycle goes on. Very sad and unfortunate!”

Many people even questioned the concept of the privileged access in religious sites as well. One of them posted: “We live in a world where the privileged think even God is available with better access for money! Funny how the ones who get privileged access end up taking selfies with the deity to show off, while the commoners are just trying to get a few seconds of blessings.” The other user said: “Religion has been made a business!”

This controversy echoes a previous backlash earlier this year when actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, along with her husband Nick Jonas and their daughter, received VVIP treatment during a visit to the Ram temple. The preferential treatment of celebrities sparked criticism, with many questioning the unfairness of the VIP culture in temples, where ordinary worshippers endure long waits while celebrities bypass the queues.