A video has gone viral where a group of Indian tourists dancing Garba, the colourful traditional folk dance, at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which sparked a debate on social media which is pointing to a more important question of whether freedom of cultural expression in a social space or lack of civic sense.
The mini celebration took place on Diwali celebrations of the past on the topmost deck of the observation deck, At the Top, depicts the eagerness of tourists to move to their own tune on one of the most beautiful skylines of the city, the Dubai skyline. The video, which was posted by many people, soon received mixed reviews. There were numerous spectators who praised the group as a dignified glory of Indian culture. Their spirit of daring and bringing a bit of the rich Indian culture to such a globally recognised spot was admirable, according to commenters.
To these fans, it was just a happy and non-threatening celebration of self-identification. Nevertheless, the video has caused a lot of criticism and an extended debate of public decorum. Most pointed out that carrying out a choreographed dance amidst personal music in a location like a touristy place as the Burj Khalifa observation deck, may disturb the experience of other people, as well as may be unconventional, contrary to accepted practices governing behaviour in the open. There were objections that such an act would leave people without the free will to experience the view without unwarrantedly being exposed to funny acts.
The event is a poignant reminder of how people reconcile the urge to express their culture, to celebrate their culture, to be able to express their creativity and on the other hand, how do people that people over respect these spaces which are in common usage? Although there is no official news issued by the Burj Khalifa management in regards to the actual event, the argument is still raging on the internet, highlighting the intricacies of cross-cultural relationships in the most touristic places.
