New Delhi, 15 May (H.S.): A viral video showing local women assisting Miss World 2025 candidates in a foot-cleaning ceremony at Ramappa Temple, Telangana, has sparked significant outrage and political backlash across India. The clip features contestants dressed in traditional attire as women pour water over their feet with brass pots. Some women also provided towels, with one contestant seemingly waiting for assistance to have her feet wiped. This ritual was part of a tour organized by the Telangana Tourism Department ahead of the Miss World finale scheduled for May 31 in Hyderabad.

The footage has faced severe criticism on social media, with journalist Sumit Jha labeling it a masterclass in colonial hangover and white worship while others labeled it disgusting and racist.

BRS MLA P Sabitha Indra Reddy condemned the act as wicked and called for accountability from the state government. BRS working president KT Rama Rao criticized the Congress government, while senior leader Y. Sathish Reddy described it as a national insult.

Conversely, some supporters defended the ritual as a misunderstood traditional practice. The incident has ignited a broader discussion on cultural representation and the appropriateness of traditional rituals in contemporary contexts. The Telangana government has yet to issue a formal response to the controversy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar