A video from Azerbaijan is once again putting the spotlight on how Indians behave while travelling overseas.The clip, which has gone viral on Instagram, shows a group of Indian tourists chanting the Gayatri Mantra inside Ateshgah of Baku, a state-protected museum in Azerbaijan’s capital. The incident has triggered a flood of reactions online, with many calling it disrespectful to local rules, while others defended the group.The video wasn’t recorded by someone outside the group. It was filmed by another Indian tourist who happened to be at the museum and said they felt embarrassed by what unfolded.The text on the video reads, “Do not be this type of Indian tourist abroad.” The person who shared it claimed the group began chanting loudly inside the museum, even though, according to them, visitors are expected to keep their voices down inside the protected site.As the chanting continued, the person recording the clip alleged that the situation became uncomfortable enough for their tour guide to move the rest of the group away from the area.Even then, the chanting didn’t stop.In the video, someone can be heard saying, “Once more,” after which the group repeats the prayer. Several foreign tourists are also seen standing nearby, watching the scene unfold.The tourist who posted the video said the most awkward moment came a little later.According to them, their guide looked towards them, laughed and asked, “Aren’t they your people?”That one question, they wrote, left them speechless.“In that exact moment, standing there in total silence, you realise this is where we failed as Indians,” the person wrote, adding that the actions of a few people often end up affecting how all Indian travellers are viewed abroad.The video has quickly spread across social media and reopened a conversation that seems to come up every few months.Over the past year, similar clips involving Indian tourists in countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Japan have gone viral, each leading to debates around civic sense, cultural awareness and respecting local customs while travelling.This latest video has drawn thousands of comments.Many users felt the chanting was inappropriate inside a museum where silence is expected.“And we wonder why visa rules are getting stricter for Indians,” one person commented.Another wrote that the issue wasn’t just about civic sense but about respecting the place you are visiting.Some questioned why certain travellers suddenly begin singing, dancing or chanting loudly in public spaces abroad without considering their surroundings.One user pointed out that there is nothing wrong with praying, but said doing it loudly inside a public heritage site, especially in a foreign country, could make other visitors uncomfortable.Another traveller, who said they had recently visited Ateshgah, described it as one of the most peaceful places on their trip. They added that behaviour like this only strengthens negative stereotypes about Indian tourists overseas.Not everyone, however, agreed with the criticism.A section of social media users defended the group, arguing that Ateshgah has historical links with Hindu and Zoroastrian traditions and saying there was nothing wrong with chanting there.The viral clip has once again divided opinion online. While some see it as a matter of religious expression, others believe that travelling also comes with the responsibility of respecting the rules, customs and atmosphere of the places we visit.As of now, there has been no official response from the museum or local authorities regarding the incident.
