Puri, April 9: A video showing a young couple climbing atop the Nanda-Bhadra chariot at Puri’s Narendra Pond has gone viral, igniting debate on social media about respect for sacred sites. The incident occurred in broad daylight, during which the couple filmed themselves dancing to a film song on the temple chariot, traditionally used in the annual Chandan Yatra festival.

The chariot, recently restored and decorated with paint and oil by temple staff, had been left temporarily unattended, allowing the couple to climb onto it. While the video captures their playful enthusiasm, devotees and heritage conservationists have condemned the act as disrespectful and inappropriate for a religious site.

The temple has recently faced several incidents of vandalism, including damage to sacred idols and costly restoration efforts. Critics argue that insufficient administrative oversight has made such violations more likely.