Kerala-based travel vlogger Maheen Shajahan has come under fire on social media after posting a video of himself visiting a Hindu temple with a few foreign women and applying sindoor (vermilion) to their foreheads—a gesture that drew criticism.
In response to the backlash, Shajahan issued a clarification, stating that his actions were not meant to offend. Speaking to Brut India, he explained, “I was very aware that married people put this (sindoor), but I wasn’t aware that this was such an important thing and no other person can put it."
"I try to respect all religions..."
He claimed that he wouldn't have engaged in the act if he had known that the sindoor can be only applied by the husband and that it has a deep significance in marriage.
"I wouldn’t have done that, cause I’m a traveller and I try to respect all religions even though I don’t believe in religion," he said. He also pointed out that none of the women featured in the video objected to the act at the time.
The video, originally shared on Shajahan’s Instagram handle, shows him entering a temple in Kerala with a group of foreign women. He applies sindoor on their foreheads, a practice traditionally reserved for married Hindu women. The gesture quickly sparked a wave of criticism online, with many calling it disrespectful and culturally inappropriate.
In the caption of the video, the vlogger wrote: “Muslim boy in Kerala Temple; In Kerala, faith isn’t a barrier – it’s a bridge. As a Muslim visiting a Hindu temple with my foreign friends, I felt nothing but warmth, welcome, and peace. Here, in this lush corner of India, religious harmony isn’t just an idea – it’s lived every day. We respect. We celebrate. We share. Different paths, one love.”
Video draws backlash
"In Sree Durga Bhadra Devi Temple, Aravallikkavu, Thodupuzha he applied Sindoor on 4 foreign women in mocking manner. Is this not insult to #Sindoor?," a woman questioned on X.
"How is this even allowed? How is musalman allowed to put Sindoor on women, foreign women? That don’t even know what that means. Why is it even allowed on temp premises?," another echoed the sentiment.
