Police conduct questioned after being seen recording vulgar dance as men cheer at Varanasi temple

A video showing women performing vulgar dances as men cheer, howl and scream, while policemen in uniform appear to record the performance on their mobile phones, at the famous Lat Bhairav Temple in Varanasi during the annual Baba Lat Bhairav baraat procession has drawn criticism.

However, the Uttar Pradesh Police has termed the video artificially generated, while temple authorities have maintained that the performance was part of a traditional practice associated with the festival.

The video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows women dressed in ghagras and sleeveless cholis dancing to non-religious, predominantly Bhojpuri songs containing vulgar lyrics, while a crowd of men watches and cheers. Several police personnel can also be seen in the vicinity, with some recording the proceedings on their mobile phones.

The incident has sparked questions over the conduct of policemen deployed for security during the religious procession, although the police have rejected the authenticity of the footage and alleged that it was being circulated to tarnish their image.

In a statement, the police claimed that in videos recorded by members of the crowd, the policemen allegedly shown in the viral footage were not visible on the screens.

Temple authorities, meanwhile, said the video was from an event held during the annual Baba Lat Bhairav procession, and claimed that performances by nagar vadhus, or courtesans, formed part of a traditional practice associated with the festival.

The five-day Lat Bhairav Barat celebration commemorates the traditional wedding rituals of Baba Lat Bhairav, also known as Kapal Bhairav, and Goddess Bhairavi.

During the festivities, devotees carrying wedding offerings from the main shrine in Kazzakpura proceed towards Visheshwarganj Sabzi Mandi for the Tilak ceremony, after which the procession stops at the Kaal Bhairav Temple for rituals and aarti before concluding at the Lat Bhairav Temple. This year's celebrations were held from 23 to 27 September.

Critics, however, disputed the claim that such performances constitute an old tradition. Sanatan Rakshak Dal president Ajay Sharma alleged that the practice had been introduced only in recent years, arguing that religious programmes should instead feature classical music.

Advocate and former general secretary of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, Vikas Singh, also questioned the conduct of the police personnel allegedly visible in the video and called for an impartial inquiry and action against anyone found guilty of dereliction of duty.

The Samajwadi Party's media cell also criticised the BJP government, alleging that obscene songs and dances were being staged at religious venues, and accused the ruling party of failing to uphold the values and traditions it publicly advocates.