close
close

Elderly man performs traditional Karwa Chauth rituals for Mia Khalifa; video goes viral |

Elderly man performs traditional Karwa Chauth rituals for Mia Khalifa; video goes viral |

Elderly man performs traditional Karwa Chauth rituals for Mia Khalifa; video goes viral

Karwa Chauth is a significant festival celebrated by married women in India, during which they fast from dawn until moonrise for the long and healthy life of their husbands. Recently, a viral video sparked considerable debate on social media, featuring an elderly man performing Karwa Chauth puja for a former adult film star Mia Khalifa.
The viral video highlighted the complexities of modern social media interactions, where traditional practices can be interpreted in very different ways. While some viewers appreciated the humor, others criticized the perceived trivialization of a significant cultural ritual. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between celebrating cultural mores and the influence of digital platforms, where perceptions can vary widely and spark significant debate.

Elderly man honors Mia Khalifa during Karwa Chauth with all traditional rituals

The video in question was posted by a user known as Guru Ji on X (formerly known as Twitter). Features an elderly man performing traditional rituals associated with Karwa Chauth, a festival where married women fast for the well-being of their husbands. In the video, the man wears a thali, which is a decorative plate typically used in Hindu puja ceremonies, and a channi, a filter often used to filter moonlight during rituals.
What makes this video particularly notable is that the elderly man is not just performing puja in a generic sense; he is looking at a photo of Mia Khalifa, a well-known figure in the adult film industry, which is prominently displayed on the wall. This unexpected element adds a layer of complexity to the video, as it juxtaposes a traditional ritual with a contemporary and somewhat controversial figure.

The combination of the man’s sincere participation in the puja and the unconventional focus on Khalifa provoked a range of reactions among viewers. Some people found the situation funny, appreciating the absurdity of an elderly person honoring a celebrity in this way. Others, however, criticized the act, seeing it as a trivialization of a significant cultural ritual, interpreting it more as an attention-getting ploy than a genuine expression of devotion. This divide in reactions illustrates how cultural practices can be viewed through different lenses, particularly in the context of modern social media.

Contrasting reactions on social media to an elderly man’s unconventional tribute to Mia Khalifa

Reactions to the video were sharply divided, reflecting contrasting perspectives:
Many viewers found humor in the unconventional tribute to Khalifa. Comments like “That’s funny” and “That made me laugh so much, hahaha funny” highlight a segment of the audience that embraced the lightness of the situation.
On the other hand, several users expressed disapproval, seeing the act as a misguided attempt to attract attention. One commentator lamented: “Sadly, these beautiful celebrations have been reduced to indulgent displays, driven by the desire for mere attention and views.” Another suggested that the elderly person’s actions could be influenced by their grandchildren, stating: “Nothing just the grandchildren made them do this just for some likes and engagement.” Not everyone found the video amusing; some viewers were uncomfortable with the portrayal. One comment said, “This is scary,” emphasizing the polarizing nature of the clip and raising questions about respect for cultural traditions.
Also read | Diwali 2024 meets Halloween: Will both festivals create a unique fusion of festivals on the same date?