“I dont get it... is it wrong to wet your feet in a river"
A video of an Indian man washing his feet in the River Thames has triggered a fresh round of online debate about public behaviour, cultural habits and growing negativity aimed at Indians abroad.
According to the video, the man “didn’t stop at rinsing his feet but went on to bathe in the river as well”.
The clip has divided viewers, with several British users calling the act “unacceptable public behaviour” in a busy UK city.
Others pushed back, arguing that the reaction has been exaggerated and that cultural practices often shape how people behave around water.
One viewer wrote: “Dont wash your feet bro they are drinking this water please dont wash.”
But some saw no issue with it.
A user commented: “I dont get it… is it wrong to wet your feet in a river it’s not he is taking his clothes off or something… people often do that when they go for treaking.”
Another viewer added: “Should be okay as long as he is not bathing with soap.
“No big deal. This isn’t some sacred fountain of youth.”
A more reflective take also appeared, with a comment reading:
“Forbidden to treat water as water, earth as soil and air as air. This is the world we are building, and also consuming.”
The incident follows recent clips from Canada showing an Indian family bathing, and even using soap, in natural water bodies.
These repeated moments have fuelled online stereotypes and added to the rising negativity directed at Indian communities overseas.
Some responses took a xenophobic tone, as one asked:
“Why are Indians doing this type of stupidity?”
Another commented: “As if Ganga and Yamuna were not enough, they want to make the Thames a replica.”
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The debate has also revived concerns about river safety.
Environmental campaigners recently detected high levels of E. coli and sewage contamination in parts of the Thames, according to The Guardian.
Investigators also noted the spread of “wet-wipe islands”, large masses of flushed wipes and plastics, including a major one near Hammersmith Bridge.
Water quality issues extend beyond London. National assessments show a record number of designated bathing sites across England now rated as “poor” for water quality, with several locations along the Thames also falling short of expected standards.
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