In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, a police officer named Chandradeep Nishad has drawn attention and sparked mixed reactions online after videos surfaced of him worshipping floodwater that had entered his home. Amidst heavy monsoon rains causing havoc across northern India, Nishad was seen offering prayers to the water, which he considers a divine blessing from the Ganga River.
Nishad shared videos on his Instagram account showcasing his unusual display of devotion. In one video, the officer, still in his police uniform, is seen pouring milk and sprinkling rose petals on the waterlogged street outside his house, while chanting "Jai Ganga Maiya ki" (Hail Mother Ganga). The caption of the video read, "Mother Ganga arrived at our house while leaving for duty this morning. Got blessings by worshiping Maa Ganga at my doorstep. Hail Mother Ganga".
Another clip shows the floodwater inside his house risen above waist level. Nishad, who describes himself online as "PSO Hon'ble Justice High Court Allahabad, national swimmer & UP Police swimming champion,” is seen taking dips and swimming in the murky water, chanting “Jai Ganga Maiya” repeatedly. At one point, he exclaims, "Thousands of devotees come to you (Ganga), but you yourself came to bless me".
The videos have gone viral, eliciting a range of responses from online viewers. Some have praised Nishad's devotion and sense of humor in the face of adversity. Others have expressed concerns about the deteriorating flood situation in Uttar Pradesh and the potential health risks of swimming in floodwater. There are forecasts that most parts of Uttar Pradesh are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall in the coming weeks.
The incident highlights the power of personal belief in shaping responses to natural events. While some see the floodwaters as a destructive force, Nishad views them as a manifestation of the divine, offering prayers and expressing gratitude for the unexpected "blessing".
