Racism against Indians: Rishikesh kirtan fest organisers allow white visitors, restrict others

When questioned, an ashram's representative pointed to a board hanging outside that stated: 'We have a right to decline entry when needed.' (Image credit: _kittoo_/Instagram)

A kirtan festival in Rishikesh has sparked controversy on social media after it emerged that the organisers have been restricting entry to Indians during certain hours of the day and allowing only white international visitors. In one instance, when two friends tried to enter the venue, the woman, an Indian, was denied entry while her Russian friend was allowed in.

The fest is being held at Anand Dham Ashram, one of the oldest ashrams in the city, and the organisers have claimed that they reserve the right to allow entry into its premises. This has prompted visitors to protest the discrimination on social media. Several videos of the visitors' interaction with the Rishikesh kirtan fest organisers are now viral.

In two of the videos, when the organisers were questioned why they have been denying entry to Indians, one of their representatives said that the morning visiting hours were meant for Indians and the evenings were reserved only for international pilgrims.

A digital nomad from Bihar, Kriti Kumari, said that she visited the fest twice and was denied entry. The first time, they allegedly told her the venue was at full capacity. The second time, she wasn't allowed in, but her white friend was. When questioned, ashram's representative, identified by his Instagram id (@saciprana), pointed to a board hanging outside that stated: "We have a right to decline entry when needed."

"How do you think I should react? Being rejected to enter a kirtan by white men?" Kumari asked. She also shared a video in which other Indian visitors were allegedly shooed away and were told: "This is not Delhi metro." The visitors were shown protesting against the remark.

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A post shared by Kriti Kumari | Digital Nomad | Adventure | Slow Travels (@_kittoo_)

In another video, when a vlogger approached the ashram representatives and asked why Indians were not being allowed in, he was told that there were separate visiting hours for Indians in the morning.

"Is it fair that you are organising this in India and you're not allowing Indians to go inside?" the vlogger asked. "No, it's fair. Actually, our festival is for everyone. But we prioritise the evenings for foreign visitors because this festival was organised to... explain (spread awareness about) Indian culture to those who have no connection with Indian culture," the representative replied.

On being questioned if the decision to discriminate against Indians isn't humiliating, the representative replied that it's not.

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A post shared by Dehradun Raw (@dehradun.raw)

Visitors share similar experiences at Rishikesh kirtan fest

As the videos went viral, more Indian visitors came forward sharing similar experiences at the Rishikesh kirtan fest for years.

"I visited today and observed a clear difference in how guests were treated," commented one Instagram user. "Foreigners were allowed inside without any issue, but Indian visitors were told the place was full and asked to leave. The "We Are Full" board appeared only when Indians tried to enter. This behaviour is disappointing and gives the impression of discrimination. Equal treatment should be a basic standard for everyone."

Another user wrote, "I might get backlash, but to be frank, my experience with some Iskon managed by ‘whites’ most times have been similar…the superiority complex is unmatched, makes me think do they even understand the essence of what they are preaching! So sorry it happened to you."

"Thank you for sharing this. They do this every year. My boyfriend has been denied entry three times now. When I used to go, he never had an issue entering with me. It’s happened to several people I know in Rishikesh. Shocking every year," a third user shared.

Another user said that she was allowed entry last year only because she visited with a "foreign friend who knew the organisers".  "They had free glitter makeup, henna, and a saree counter. However, they were clearly not happy while putting glitter on my face. While everyone else had both sides of their temples decorated, she only did one side for me and was making weird faces, giving off a very unwelcoming vibe," the user said, adding that she was shocked to find that she was the only Indian at the event.

"It felt deeply uncomfortable and ironic like we were sidelined in our own cultural space. It brought up uncomfortable thoughts about how we sometimes glorify foreigners while undervaluing ourselves. That experience left me questioning the authenticity of the event," she said.

'It's a violation of our fundamental rights': Netizens

The incident also prompted social media users to speak up against the racism.

"This is lowkey giving me 'India before independence' vibes. Are we really standing with this?" asked one user, while another added: "Foreigners do not have any legal authority to restrict an Indian citizen on Indian soil. This is duly punishable as it's a violation of our fundamental rights as per Article 15 (Racism if so), 19 (1) (d) (Free Movement within our territory), and article 21 (Life & Liberty)."

"This is how Portuguese took over Goa, French over Pondi and British over India. Initially it’s always soft," a fourth user said.

A couple of users also commented: "Simon, go back!"

'He cannot work in India on a tourist visa'

Questions were also raised about the representative's behaviour towards Indian visitors and his visa status. Netizens questioned whether he was only volunteering or was working at the ashram and questioned his visa. Many also noted how he was being aggressive towards both the vloggers.

Referring to the ashram representative, a user wrote: "He cannot work on a tourist visa in India. He was antagonising you by asking you to repeat yourself. You can tell by his facial expressions that he was deliberately taking on a harassing demeanour to get a rise out of you while hiding behind a policy that blatantly promotes inequality. It’s discriminatory behaviour and shameful that such places allow for cultural appropriation after colonisation."

A lawyer, who said he might file a case against the ashram, commented: "They don't have legal ownership of that compound. Further, it's by an NGO, and NGOs can't discriminate. Further, Foreigners cannot organise this on a tourist visa. Again, various violations of FCRA and the Foreigner Act."