Stop Promoting Nonsense’: Harsh Goenka’s Viral Video of Garba at Mumbai Airport Sparks 1.5M+ Views & Massive Backlash
The viral video shows a few men and women dressed in yellow and red-coloured traditional attire while airport staffers play dandiya and garba in their uniforms
Navratri, the nine-day Hindu festival, is in full swing across India. Several videos of devotees attending dandiya and garba nights are fueling the festival spirit. One video, in particular, has sparked a debate, posing a question of civic sense and public decency.
In the viral video, shared by industrialist Harsh Goenka, airport staff and passengers were seen breaking into a garba performance at Mumbai Airport. The video shows a few men and women dressed in yellow and red-coloured traditional attire while airport staffers play dandiya and garba in their uniforms.
“At Mumbai Airport-passengers, pilots, staff, loaders, all moving to the same beat. No other airport in the world has this spirit. This is India,” Goenka captioned the video.
However, the video did not sit well with numerous social media users, triggering a backlash for disrupting the airport’s decorum. “this kind of idiotic behavior has brought problem for Indian diaspora globally, stop promoting nonsense. Because once you do it and it is promoted people start doing it anywhere without knowing the place and time and local civic sense,” a user wrote. “What an embarrassment,” another user commented.
“Where are we on happiness index? Is dance one of the criteria for ranking happiness index? If so, we should be number 1,” a third user reacted. “I don’t think it is the right way to celebrate a festival . Maintaining the sanctity of your work place is the most desirable way. Imagine if such flash dances started in hospitals, courts etc,” a fourth user said.
Last week, a video of commuters playing garba in a Mumbai local train emerged on social media, prompting a deluge of reactions. The video showed several men clapping and twirling on traditional beats.
Industrialist and social media personality Harsh Goenka has ignited an intense online debate after sharing a video capturing a Garba performance at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. The video, which has already amassed over 1.5 million views across platforms, has drawn widespread criticism from netizens, with many accusing the display of being inappropriate for a public transport hub and trivializing a cultural practice.
The video, posted on Harsh Goenka’s verified social media account, shows a group of performers in traditional attire dancing Garba, the folk dance from Gujarat, inside the bustling departure terminal. The dancers moved in perfect synchrony, while travelers watched in surprise.
While some applauded the celebration of Indian culture in an unconventional setting, a significant portion of viewers expressed outrage. Comments ranged from concerns about public safety to accusations of “promoting nonsense” in a space meant for transit, not performance.
In the caption accompanying the video, Goenka wrote:
This remark, however, did little to quell criticism, as social media users argued that the airport, a place for travel, security checks, and efficiency, was an unsuitable venue for such elaborate performances.
The backlash was swift and widespread. On Twitter, hashtags like #GarbaAtAirport and #HarshGoenkaControversy began trending within hours. Users criticized the video for various reasons:
Safety Concerns – Many argued that large performances in busy terminals could disrupt operations or pose safety hazards.
Inappropriate Venue – Critics said airports are not cultural centers and such displays could distract travelers or staff.
Privilege & Display – Some users claimed the performance reflected the excessive privilege of industrialists, who could orchestrate public spectacles in secure zones.
One social media user commented:
“Festivals are meant to be celebrated, but not at the expense of public order. Airports are for travel, not dance shows.”
“Stop promoting nonsense. Cultural pride doesn’t need to break public protocol.”
Despite the criticism, supporters defended Goenka, arguing that the initiative brought joy during challenging times and highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage.
So far, Harsh Goenka has not issued a formal apology but has responded to some comments, emphasizing that the performance was conducted with all necessary permissions from airport authorities. In one tweet, he stated:
“Every step was planned, safe, and approved. Garba is about joy and community, and we wanted to share that spirit even in transit spaces.”
However, the clarification has done little to stem the negative sentiment, with critics maintaining that public spaces like airports are ill-suited for such activities.
This is not the first time cultural performances in airports or other unconventional public spaces have sparked debate in India. Past incidents include flash mobs, classical music recitals, and folk performances in metro stations. While these events are often praised for innovation, they occasionally face scrutiny over logistics, safety, and public convenience.
Experts in cultural management suggest that while celebrating traditions in new formats can increase visibility, organizers must carefully balance enthusiasm with practicality.
“Cultural performances can be enriching, but context matters,” said Dr. Meera Joshi, a sociologist specializing in urban spaces. “Airports are functional spaces with security protocols, tight schedules, and thousands of people passing through daily. Any performance must account for these factors.”
The debate over Goenka’s video underscores a broader discussion about how culture is presented in contemporary India. On one hand, urban audiences appreciate efforts to showcase tradition; on the other, there is growing awareness about appropriateness and responsibility in public spaces.
Some users argued that the performance could have been better suited for airports’ designated lounges or public squares, where crowds are controlled and safety measures more easily enforced. Others suggested digital platforms as ideal alternatives for sharing cultural experiences without logistical challenges.
Media outlets have picked up the story, with coverage ranging from critical editorials to neutral reporting. Several news platforms highlighted the 1.5M+ views as evidence of Goenka’s strong social media influence, while analyzing the societal implications of such public displays.
Industry experts note that high-profile personalities like Goenka wield significant influence online, and their actions often become symbolic, sparking discussions that go beyond the immediate event.
“In today’s digital age, one post can reach millions instantly,” said Rajesh Verma, a media analyst. “The Garba video reflects not just a cultural act but also the power of social media to amplify public debate.”
Garba, traditionally performed during the Navratri festival, is more than just a dance—it is a celebration of devotion, community, and Indian heritage. While the dance is vibrant and communal, experts stress that the setting impacts perception.
“Garba is about rhythm, connection, and joy,” explained cultural historian Dr. Rina Patel. “When taken out of its conventional setting, it can still be powerful, but context is everything. An airport is not a traditional or spiritual space, and that can alter the audience’s reception.”
