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 lives of their husbands. Recently, a viral video has stirred considerable debate on social media, featuring an elderly man performing Karwa Chauth puja for former adult film star Mia Khalifa.
The viral video has highlighted the complexities of modern social media interactions, where traditional practices can be interpreted in vastly different ways. While some viewers appreciated the humour, others criticised the perceived trivialization of a significant cultural ritual. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between celebrating cultural customs and the influence of digital platforms, where perceptions can vary widely and spark significant debate.

The video in question was posted by a user known as Guru Ji on X (previously known as Twitter). It 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 uses a thali, which is a decorative plate typically used in Hindu puja ceremonies, and a channi, a strainer often used to filter the moonlight during the rituals.
What makes this video particularly notable is that the elderly man is not just performing the puja in a generic sense; he is gazing at a picture of Mia Khalifa, a well-known figure from 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 has sparked a range of reactions among viewers. Some people found the situation humorous, appreciating the absurdity of the elderly man honouring a celebrity in this way. Others, however, criticised the act, seeing it as a trivialization of a significant cultural ritual, interpreting it as an attention-seeking stunt rather than a genuine expression of devotion. This division in reactions illustrates how cultural practices can be viewed through different lenses, particularly in the context of modern social media.

The reactions to the video have been sharply divided, reflecting contrasting perspectives:
Many viewers found humour in the unconventional tribute to Khalifa. Comments such as “This is funny” and “It made me laugh so hard, hahaha funny” highlight a segment of the audience that embraced the light-heartedness of the situation.
Conversely, several users expressed disapproval, viewing the act as a misguided attempt to seek attention. One commenter lamented, “Regrettably, such beautiful celebrations have been reduced to indulgent displays, driven by the desire for mere attention and views.” Another suggested that the elderly man's actions might be influenced by his grandchildren, stating, “Nothing just their 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 read, “This is creepy,” emphasising the polarising nature of the clip and raising questions about respect for cultural traditions.
In a nutshell, the viral video of an elderly man performing Karwa Chauth rituals for Mia Khalifa has sparked a wide range of reactions, from humor to criticism. While some found it amusing, others felt it trivialized an important cultural tradition. This incident highlights how modern social media can influence the interpretation of traditional practices, often leading to debate and differing views.
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