After 'honeymoon coach' now 'pooja' on train? Viral video sparks debate

Just days after a Ticket Checker (TC) was suspended by Indian Railways over the controversy surrounding a specially decorated “honeymoon coach” on the Nandigram Express, another viral video has surfaced showing a religious ceremony being conducted inside a train coach.

Several priests were seen chanting hymns and performing rituals, while other participants sat behind them with folded hands. The video quickly gained traction on social media, drawing criticism from users.

Responding to the controversy, Northern Railway clarified that the event was held in a Saloon Car that had been officially booked through IRCTC. According to the Railways, the booking was made on July 8, 2026, and the party paid Rs 3,08,580 in advance as a commercial booking fee. The religious ceremony took place on July 10 during a one-way journey from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS).

In its statement, the Railways said, “The Saloon Car was booked by IRCTC on 08.07.26. The party made an advance payment of Rs 3,08,580 as commercial booking. The Saloon Car was to be attached to Train No. 12926 Paschim Express on a one-way journey from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS) on 10.07.2026.”

The post was shared on Instagram, by the handle ‘Simpu_SinghIND’.

A few days back, a man adorned a coach of the Rajdhani Express for his honeymoon, prompt action was taken, good. 👏

Today, this is being performed on a running train.

Is this allowed? Reel mantri ji? pic.twitter.com/6t9Y7yHSY4

— Simpu Singh (@Simpu_SinghIND) July 12, 2026

Netizens react:

A user wrote, “Was the permission taken in advance for the said ritual inside the train? If so, under what policy/rule of IRCTC. Enlighten everyone so that others too can utilise this.”

Another asked, “What is this even? Why was permission given for this on a train?”

A third reacted, “So you mean we can do anything in a railway coach if you pay in lakhs?” “Strict action should be taken,” added another.