A viral video from a pilgrimage route has reignited an uncomfortable question: should one human being carry another? The clip, showing four men transporting a devotee on a makeshift palanquin up a steep climb, started a conversation about human dignity.

The footage shows a man seated comfortably on a palanquin as four men shoulder its weight, carefully making their way up a narrow flight of steep steps leading towards the pilgrimage site.

As they navigate the climb, the labour involved is evident, with the carriers balancing the passenger while steadily moving uphill.

Although the exact location has not been confirmed, several users in the comments claimed the clip was filmed in Junagadh.

Regardless of where it was shot, the video has shifted attention away from the destination and towards the centuries-old practice of people physically carrying other people.

The clip was shared with a caption that questioned the ethics of the practice.

"Not sure how God would feel about this."

The post went on to address one of the most common arguments in favour of such services. "Please don't justify by saying, 'It's giving employment to four people.'"

Watch the video here:

The poster clarified that the criticism was not directed at those using the service due to age, disability or medical conditions.

"I'm not commenting on anyone's physique; people may have genuine health conditions. It's the idea of humans carrying other humans," the caption read.

The video quickly drew thousands of reactions, with many users echoing similar concerns. Several described the practice as demeaning and argued that, irrespective of tradition, no person should have to bear another's weight for a living in today's world.

Others questioned whether such practices should continue when alternative transport options are available at many pilgrimage sites.

At the same time, some users urged people to view the issue with nuance. They pointed out that many porters voluntarily undertake this physically demanding work because it provides a source of income for their families, particularly in pilgrimage destinations where such services have existed for generations.

Others also noted that palanquins are often used by elderly people or devotees with mobility issues who would otherwise be unable to complete the journey.

The video has since evolved into a wider conversation about balancing tradition, accessibility and livelihoods with questions of human dignity and the ethics of one person physically carrying another.

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Published By:

Srimoyee Chowdhury

Published On:

Jul 21, 2026 13:16 IST