Videos from a religious procession in Varanasi on 26 September drew attention to the behaviour of men around women performers, including police personnel seen watching the performances. The procession was part of the annual Baba Laat Bhairav baraat, a multi-day wedding festival for the deity, who is revered as Kashi’s judicial protector. The final day features a decorated chariot carrying the deity’s sacred silver mask, along with music bands, DJs and orchestra dancers. For some women performers, dancing is a source of income that can pay more than other available work. However, their work can also involve men filming them, touching them and demanding sexualised performances. Videos from the Varanasi procession showed men around the performers while police personnel deployed for security were also seen watching. The footage led to attention on the conduct of people present at the event. ThePrint has reported that some orchestra dancers also face restrictions from orchestra owners. These can include contracts preventing performers from joining other groups. The issue has been reported at the Laat Bhairav procession before. In 2015, a constable was suspended after being accused of throwing currency notes at dancers during the procession. The annual Laat Bhairav baraat is held over multiple days and includes religious rituals, music and performances. This year’s procession took place in Varanasi on 26 September.