- Thursday, June 05, 2025
A group of Indian tourists in Austria has sparked online backlash after insisting street performers play Garba music, raising questions about cultural sensitivity, tourist behaviour, and respect for local artists abroad.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A video of Indian tourists performing Garba in Austria has gone viral and sparked a major debate over travel etiquette and cultural sensitivity.
The group, reportedly consisting of 43 Gujarati-Marwari travellers, requested two local street musicians to play Indian music so they could dance in the middle of the street. Despite clear hesitation from the performers, the group persisted, eventually taking over the street for an impromptu Garba session.
The incident came to light after one of the tourists posted the video on Instagram with the caption, “Have you ever thought of playing Garba in Europe? Well, I had and now I can tick it off the bucket list.”
In her post, she described how the group came across two street performers in Austria and asked them to play an Indian track, expressing their desire to perform Garba before leaving the area. Although the artists were reportedly reluctant, concerned about local regulations and police intervention, the group continued to pressure them until they agreed.
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The video shows the entire group dancing enthusiastically, drawing curious looks from passersby. While some social media users appreciated the spirit and cultural pride behind the act, many others voiced strong criticism, accusing the group of disregarding local customs and making the performers uncomfortable.
One commenter, identifying as Gujarati, said, “I love Garba, but I don’t understand the obsession with doing it on foreign streets. We don’t even do this randomly in India.” Another added, “I’m a Gujju too, but you guys need to stop playing Garba anywhere, anytime. It’s embarrassing.”
The online outrage extended to concerns about the broader image of Indian tourists abroad. A flight attendant commented, “This is the reason foreigners hate Indians. I’m often asked why Indians are so demanding. Now I know.”
Critics particularly condemned the group’s refusal to take no for an answer, with one person stating, “Is this something to be proud of? They were clearly uncomfortable. You forced them, and now we wonder why Indians aren’t respected abroad.”
Another remark echoed the sentiment: “No one is saying don’t enjoy your culture, but why do it at the cost of someone else’s comfort and livelihood, especially when they’re just trying to perform their art?”
The controversy has highlighted the growing conversation around responsible tourism. While cultural pride is important, many argue that it must be balanced with respect for local traditions, space, and performers. The episode serves as a reminder that true celebration of Indian culture abroad should come with awareness and humility—values deeply embedded in Indian ethos.
The video remains online, continuing to stir debate across platforms, with many urging tourists to reflect on how their actions may be perceived in different cultural settings.
