A bhajan singer in Gujarat became the center of attention after devotees showered the stage with stacks of currency notes during a religious program in Junagadh district. Videos of the encounter have now gone viral across social media platforms, drawing both admiration and backlash from users online.
Footage circulating online showed attendees walking up to the stage carrying bags and bundles full of cash. During the devotional performance, several people were seen throwing notes in the air and throwing large amounts of money around the singer and backing performers.
As the program continued, piles of banknotes quickly piled up on the stage as organizers and volunteers tried to clear and manage the growing piles.
Viral clips draw criticism on social media
The incident soon sparked a heated online debate, with many users questioning the practice of publicly showering performers with money.
“This is such a horrible practice all over Gujarat, especially in Saurashtra. Showering money, real notes, on popular singers looks cheap because one’s materialistic instincts are at work here. Why monetize your feelings for a singer? If you like his music, pay privately, donate to the needy without flaunting your wealth. Fund institutions of music. We definitely need ahira girls funds. In a girls hostel Ahir needs to be paid decent money Urgently,” wrote one user on X.
“This isn’t an offer – it’s an arrogant display of illicit wealth,” another user commented.
“And people are still starving in this country!” wrote a third.
Others defend the tradition, citing a charitable purpose
However, several social media users have defended the practice, claiming that the money raised during such programs is often channeled to charity and community causes.
“This dayro and this money is used for jivdaya or other social purposes. It is not consumed by any individual nor does it come from an individual. It is a collection of cultural resources,” wrote one user.
“Dayro in Gujarati culture is for raising donations for social causes. Similar to top Western fundraisers. These people are mostly in the agriculture and dairy industry, so technically they can have ‘legal’ cash. Dayro’s content is mostly positive and funny,” said another user. Another added: “Hello Income Tax.”
Organizers say the funds will support religious and social activities
According to a report by India Today, the organizers have clarified that the money offered during the program will not be kept for personal use.
They reportedly said the funds raised at the event would instead go towards religious programs, charitable donations and social initiatives linked to future spiritual activities.
