Rishikesh's Soul at Stake: Reels Drowning Yoga City's Peace and Spirituality?

• Rishikesh, known globally as the capital of yoga and spiritual peace, is witnessing a rapid change in its image due to the rise of content creators and social media trends.
• The serene atmosphere of Ganga Ghats, Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, and ashrams is increasingly being replaced by mobile cameras, Reels, and loud music, overshadowing traditional prayers and meditation.
• The article questions whether spiritual practice is becoming a performance, with many visitors prioritizing the 'perfect frame' for social media over genuine spiritual experience.
• While social media has boosted tourism and global recognition for Rishikesh, benefiting local businesses, it raises concerns about compromising the city's original spiritual essence for publicity.
• The piece emphasizes that Rishikesh is an emotion and an experience, not just a background for content, urging visitors to maintain dignity and respect for its sanctity.

Why It Matters: Rishikesh's spiritual essence is threatened by social media trends, raising concerns about balancing tourism with sanctity.