A video showing priests performing a puja inside a moving train has gone viral on social media, leaving many people wondering whether religious ceremonies are allowed on Indian Railways. As the video spread across different platforms, it sparked a debate about the use of railway coaches for private events.
However, Indian Railways later issued an official clarification, explaining that the ceremony did not take place inside a regular passenger coach.
Why the Video Went Viral
The viral clip shows a group of priests performing traditional Hindu rituals inside a train coach while the train was moving. Many social media users believed the ceremony was happening inside a normal passenger compartment and questioned how such an event had been allowed.
Hello @AshwiniVaishnaw, was this approved by @RailMinIndia? If so, What is the procedure? pic.twitter.com/9VUJP53lJQ
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) July 12, 2026
The discussion gained even more attention because it came shortly after another viral incident involving a train coach decorated like a “honeymoon suite.”
Railways Issues Official Clarification
To clear the confusion, Northern Railway explained that the ceremony took place inside a privately booked saloon coach, not a regular passenger coach.
According to railway officials, the coach had been legally hired after following the required booking process. Reports said the booking cost more than ₹3 lakh, and all necessary rules for hiring the coach were followed.
Officials also stated that the religious event did not affect train operations or inconvenience regular passengers because the coach had been reserved exclusively for private use.
What Is a Railway Saloon Coach?
A saloon coach is a special railway coach that can be booked privately under certain conditions and after paying the prescribed charges.
These coaches are separate from regular passenger compartments and are generally used for:
- Private family events
- Official railway purposes
- Special travel requirements
- VIP or heritage bookings
Since the coach is booked exclusively, activities inside it are different from those allowed in normal passenger coaches, provided they comply with railway rules.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Even after the clarification, reactions online remained divided.
Some users appreciated Railways for explaining the facts and said the ceremony was completely legal because it was held in a privately reserved coach.
Others felt that videos shared without proper context can easily create misunderstandings, especially when viewers assume the event took place in a regular passenger compartment.
The incident once again showed how quickly viral posts can spread and why official clarifications are important before drawing conclusions.
Why the Incident Drew Attention
Indian Railways has witnessed several viral incidents in recent months involving unusual activities inside trains. As a result, social media users are now more likely to question such videos, prompting railway authorities to respond quickly with factual explanations whenever confusion arises.
This latest clarification helped explain that the viral puja was conducted in a legally hired private coach and was not a violation involving regular passenger services.
Conclusion
The viral video of priests performing a puja inside a moving train created widespread discussion, but Indian Railways clarified that the ceremony took place in a privately booked saloon coach. Since the coach had been legally reserved and the event did not disrupt train operations or other passengers, officials said it complied with existing railway rules. The incident highlights the importance of verifying the full context before reacting to viral social media posts.
FAQs
Was the puja performed inside a regular passenger coach?
No. Indian Railways clarified that the ceremony was held inside a privately booked saloon coach.
Did the event violate railway rules?
According to Northern Railway, the coach was legally booked and the ceremony complied with the applicable booking rules.
How much did the private coach booking cost?
Reports stated that the saloon coach was booked for more than ₹3 lakh.
Did the ceremony affect other passengers?
No. Railway officials said the event was conducted inside an exclusively reserved private coach and did not impact normal passenger services.
Why did the video become controversial?
Many people initially believed the ceremony was taking place inside a regular train coach. The lack of context led to confusion until Indian Railways issued its official clarification.