As India gears up to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin for his two-day state visit starting Thursday evening, unexpected visuals from Varanasi have been stealing the spotlight online.

Videos circulating on social media show local people performing ‘aarti’ in front of a framed photograph of Putin, while women sing devotional hymns and men wave Indian flags. Another clip features a large banner proclaiming “Bharat-Russia friendship zindabaad,” alongside images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin shaking hands.

After the ritual, the group can be seen marching through the streets, chanting slogans in support of both leaders.

The footage, originally shared by ANI on X, quickly racked up over a lakh views and triggered a wave of incredulous reactions.

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