Viral Video: After Honeymoon Coach Controversy, Priests Perform Puja On Train; The railway gets a bang for answering | Today’s news
A viral video showing priests performing puja inside a train saloon car has recently created a widespread controversy. Now Northern Railways has responded.
The footage showed several men dressed in traditional clothing sitting on the floor. A priest in a yellow dhoti performed rituals surrounded by ceremonial objects. These included silver plates, bowls and other puja essentials. The setting looked like a private saloon car attached to a train.
The Northern Railway has officially responded to the viral video. It clarified the circumstances. A saloon car was booked through IRCTC on 8th July 2026. The booker paid a deposit of Rs. ₹3,08,580 for commercial use.
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It was attached to train No. 12926, Paschim Express. The journey ran from New Delhi to Mumbai on 10 July 2026.
Northern Railway has confirmed that it has issued a commercial run notice in advance. This was subject to standard operational feasibility checks throughout.
The railways emphasized that its core duties remained unaffected by the reservation. These include ensuring accuracy, safety, security and passenger comfort.
“No one was injured in this incident. The priest who was seen performing abhishek is being performed in a saloon car reserved by the party,” NR (now X) responded on Twitter.
Response on social networks
The reaction caused considerable backlash among social media users. Many question whether paying money provides unlimited freedom on board trains.
One commenter described the railway’s response as “disappointing”. He argued that the problem went beyond religious rituals and cultural sensitivities.
“What about criminal elements? What about security? The problem here is not limited to the path of puja, rituals or Hindu-Muslim issues. It goes far beyond that,” the user wrote.
Others echoed similar concerns about security and potential criminal abuse. One of them wondered if people could do anything if they paid enough: “So you mean we can do anything on a rail bus if you pay in millions.
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Several users have raised fire safety concerns about the interior of the curtained salon. One pointed to India’s Jan Vishwas Act, referring to restrictions on flammable items. Another drew attention to apparent contradictions with existing bans on flammable substances.
“Massive fire hazard. According to the Jan Vishwas Act, carrying or using flammable objects is punishable by up to 1 year in jail,” wrote one.
The controversy also sparked sharp comparisons regarding religious equality on trains. Some users questioned whether other religious groups could reserve similar measures.
“So Muslim religious entities can also book the same and do namaaz and azaan?” one user asked.
One user sarcastically suggested reserving a lounge for prayer and promised no loud music. Another suggested that it could become a lucrative business opportunity overall.
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“Business idea guys: Find a very busy train and reserve a sedan for training and then start ticketing, basically design the car however you want, you can be as rich as anything if this takes off,” the user wrote.
“Answer seems to be an afterthought after the reaction it seems. Has permission been taken beforehand for the said ritual on the train? If so, under which IRCTC policy/rule? Sanctify all so others can benefit,” commented one user.
Some users have referred to a previous incident involving a suspended ticket check. This raised questions about the consistency in enforcing decency on the railways in general.
Honeymoon on the train
The viral ‘Honeymoon Coach’ video has recently created a controversy in the Indian Railways. A couple traveling on the Nandigram Express hired an event stylist. The decorators boarded the Jalna station and completely transformed their First AC compartment.
They added heart shaped balloons, flower garlands and thousands of rose petals. Electric fairy lights and an “I love you” message completed the setup. The decorating company shared the footage online, which quickly went viral.
While some found it romantic, others raised concerns about safety and etiquette. The railways considered this a serious breach of security and protocol. The decorators boarded without tickets or official permission in advance.
The South Central Railway suspended the ticket inspector service immediately thereafter. Authorities have also registered a criminal complaint against the decorating agency involved.
Defense for the railways
Amidst the criticism of the pooja in the train, some voices defended the manipulation on the railways. One commenter praised the Northern Railway for properly fulfilling its stated obligations.
They argued that critics were unnecessarily questioning a legitimate, paid reservation.
