Officer from Uttar Pradesh police performs religious ritual on floodwaters; online audience expresses reactions
In a heartfelt display of reverence, Uttar Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector Chandradeep Nishad from Prayagraj has gone viral on the internet for his peculiar act of worshipping the floodwaters that have inundated his home. The videos, posted on Nishad's Instagram account, show him addressing the floodwaters as 'Ganga Maiya' (Mother Ganga) and performing a puja amidst the heavy flooding caused by the Ganga river.
Nishad, a 48-year-old officer and former national-level swimmer, expressed his deep connection to the Ganga river, stating that it has played a significant role in his life and progress. The incident took place in Prayagraj’s Mori area during intense rains that led to flood-like conditions across multiple districts in Uttar Pradesh.
In the videos, Nishad can be seen folding his hands, pouring milk, scattering rose petals in the water, and even swimming in the flooded streets. He is also seen offering these offerings to the floodwater that has entered his house, referring to it as 'Ganga Maa' (Mother Ganga) in the video.
The first video shows Nishad offering milk and rose petals to the floodwater outside his house, while the second video captures him taking a dip in the water that has submerged his home. In the caption of one of the videos, Nishad writes about receiving blessings from Maa Ganga at his house.
Nishad's unique act of worship has attracted significant attention and sparked mixed reactions online. While some have expressed concern about the waterlogged road, others have praised Nishad's faith and cultural perspective. The videos show Nishad offering milk and flowers in the flood water while wearing a police uniform, adding a unique twist to the traditional puja rituals.
It's worth noting that Nishad is not only a police officer but also the UP Police swimming champion, as stated in his Instagram bio. He is also a Personal Security Officer (PSO) to the Hon'ble Justice of the Allahabad High Court.
The floodwater that Nishad is seen in the video is believed to be from the Ganga river. Many areas of North India are currently facing severe waterlogging due to continuous rains.
In a recent visit to flood-affected areas, a Uttar Pradesh minister remarked, "Ganga at your doorstep to clean your feet," which sparked outrage from opposition leaders who criticized the government's response to the crisis as insensitive. However, the minister and his aides clarified that the comment was meant lightheartedly and highlighted the cultural reverence for the Ganga among the Nishad community, to which the policeman belongs.
In summary, the viral video showcases Sub-Inspector Chandradeep Nishad's unique cultural perspective as he worships the floodwaters in Prayagraj as a manifestation of Ganga Maiya during severe flooding in August 2025. The video has sparked a conversation about the cultural reverence for the Ganga river and the unique ways in which people express their faith in times of crisis.
The viral news of Sub-Inspector Chandradeep Nishad's worship of the floodwaters in Prayagraj, India, has become a talking point on social media, merging entertainment and pop-culture. Amidst the severe flooding caused by the Ganga river, Nishad's unique act of faith in Mother Ganga has received both praise and criticism, highlighting the cultural reverence for the river.
