In a shocking display of insensitivity, a group of tourists was spotted performing garba—a traditional Gujarati folk dance—at a landslide-hit zone. The incident, which quickly went viral, has drawn widespread condemnation from netizens who called out the tourists for their blatant disregard for the tragedy that had occurred at the very site.

The landslide, which claimed lives and caused significant destruction, is a somber reminder of nature’s fury. Yet, these individuals chose to turn a disaster zone into a backdrop for their entertainment. Videos show them dancing with enthusiasm, seemingly oblivious to the fact that the ground beneath their feet once held hopes, dreams, and lives that were suddenly erased.

The internet, as expected, erupted in anger. Comments ranged from “shameful” and “disrespectful” to “absolutely tone-deaf.” Many pointed out that such behavior reflects a growing trend of performative tourism, where sites of tragedy are increasingly treated as photo ops or party spots rather than places to mourn and reflect.

While garba is a beautiful and joyous expression of culture, it requires context. Dancing amid destruction is not celebration; it is mockery. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all travelers: respect for the places we visit and the people who once called them home must always come first. The thrill of a viral moment should never outweigh basic human decency.