Lahaul-Spiti, Jan 5: A viral video showing tourists dancing shirtless with hookahs on a snow-covered road in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul-Spiti region has triggered widespread outrage, with many calling the act reckless and disrespectful in an ecologically sensitive area.
The clip, shared widely on social media platform X, shows five to six young men dancing in the middle of a public road as loud music plays from a parked vehicle. Some are seen holding liquor bottles and hookahs, while at least two appear shirtless despite freezing temperatures and snow-laden surroundings.
The incident has raised concerns about public safety, civic responsibility, and law and order, particularly as slippery roads and heavy snowfall pose risks to both locals and travellers.
“This kind of behaviour discourages responsible tourism and strains relations between locals and visitors,” the user who shared the video wrote. “There is no excuse or justification for this.”
Several social media users criticised the conduct, saying it harms Himachal Pradesh’s image as a tourist-friendly destination and could affect livelihoods dependent on tourism. “People who respect local culture and environment should not be clubbed with such acts,” one user commented.
Locals say repeated incidents of unruly behaviour during peak holiday seasons have tested their patience. Many pointed out that while the state received limited snowfall this winter, it has witnessed an increase in irresponsible tourist activity, especially around New Year celebrations.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement, but users have urged the state government and police to take action to prevent similar incidents.
