Viral Video of Ritual in Indian Train Sparks Clarification from Northern Railway
A video showing a Rudrabhishek ritual inside an Indian train coach has gone viral, prompting Northern Railway to clarify that the ceremony took place in a privately booked saloon car. The railway confirmed that the booking was made through IRCTC, with an advance payment of ₹3,08,580 for a journey from New Delhi to Mumbai. Authorities assured that no injuries occurred during the event and provided details about the luxurious amenities of saloon cars, typically reserved for VIPs. This incident has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of such rituals in public transport.
| Jul 13, 2026, 13:50 IST
Ritual Performed Inside Train Coach
A video circulating on social media shows a Rudrabhishek ritual taking place inside an Indian train coach. In the clip shared on X, a priest is seen performing prayers while seated on the floor of the coach. Numerous devotees, mostly dressed in white, participated in the ceremony. Following the video's surge in popularity, Northern Railway clarified that these rituals were conducted inside a privately booked saloon car, which was allocated through commercial booking by IRCTC.
Northern Railway confirmed that the saloon car was booked by IRCTC on July 8, 2026, with an advance payment of ₹3,08,580 made for the commercial booking. This saloon car was scheduled to be attached to Train No. 12926 Paschim Express for a one-way journey from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS) on July 10, 2026.
The railway authorities assured that no injuries occurred during this event and clarified that the priest seen performing the ritual was part of the private ceremony in the booked saloon car. Saloon cars are luxurious railway coaches reserved for high-ranking officials and VIPs, featuring air-conditioned bedrooms, a kitchenette, living and dining areas, attached washrooms, and other amenities.
👉🏻 The Saloon Car was booked by IRCTC on 08.07.26. The party made an advance payment of Rs 3,08,580
— Western Railway (@WesternRly) July 12, 2026
as commercial booking. The Saloon Car was to be attached in Train No. 12926 Paschim Express on one way journey from New Delhi (NDLS) to Mumbai (BDTS) on 10.07.2026.
👉🏻NR issued…