Viral From Paris: Indian Tourists Chant “Jai Maharashtra”, “Jai Shiv Sena”; Video Triggers Outrage Over Civic Sense
Viral From Paris: Indian Tourists Chant “Jai Maharashtra”, “Jai Shiv Sena”; Video Triggers Outrage Over Civic Sense
For many Indians, travelling overseas is a long-cherished dream — a chance to explore iconic cities, experience new cultures and proudly represent the country on a global stage. However, when enthusiasm crosses the line into disruption, it often sparks uncomfortable conversations about civic sense and respect for local spaces. A recent viral video from Paris has done exactly that, igniting widespread debate on social media over how cultural pride should be expressed while travelling abroad.
What unfolded in Paris
The incident reportedly took place in the busy Montmartre area of Paris, a popular tourist hub known for its street performers and lively atmosphere. In the video, a group of Indian men can be seen standing next to a street performer. One of them places his arm around the performer and begins loudly chanting slogans such as “Jai Maharashtra,” “Jai Shiv Sena,” and “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ki Jai.”
Within moments, others from the group join in, raising their voices and turning the chants into a noisy spectacle. Viewers of the video were quick to notice that the street performer appeared visibly uncomfortable. He is seen repeatedly gesturing for the group to stop and maintain silence, but his signals were seemingly ignored for several seconds as the chanting continued.
The clip was first shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named @Delhiite, with a simple caption stating that the video showed Indian tourists with a street performer in Paris. Soon after, it spread rapidly across platforms, including Instagram, where it was reposted by pages such as Shivsenamumbailive, fuelling intense discussion online.
Social media reactions pour in
The video’s circulation triggered a sharp divide among viewers, though criticism overwhelmingly dominated the conversation. Many users expressed embarrassment and anger, accusing the group of being disruptive and disrespectful. One comment read, “Disgusting. These fellows should be deported and banned for life from entering the country.” Another went further, saying, “Misusing other people’s decency to do the most obnoxious things is the characteristic feature of BIMARU nomads,” invoking harsh regional stereotypes.
Others reflected more broadly on behaviour abroad, with one user writing, “In overseas locales, Indians desperately try to break out of their inferiority complex by indulging in acts that defy local customs and manners. For them, it’s a joy to be a misfit wherever they go.”
Several users pointed out the performer’s discomfort, noting comments like, “He’s clearly asking them to be quiet,” and “He genuinely looks uncomfortable.” While a small section of users echoed the chants in support with “Jai Maharashtra,” the larger sentiment leaned heavily toward criticism and calls for better civic awareness.
Not an isolated incident
Many users also highlighted that this was not a one-off occurrence. Indian tourists — both within the country and abroad — have frequently faced backlash online for similar behaviour. Earlier this month, another video went viral showing shirtless men dancing with alcohol bottles and hookahs in the snow-covered Lahaul-Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh, triggering outrage over environmental damage and lack of decorum.
These recurring incidents have reignited discussions around whether public displays of nationalism or regional pride should come at the cost of basic etiquette, especially in shared or foreign spaces.
