A new trend of real-life running in Cambodia’s historic Angkor Wat and other temples has gone viral, inspired by the popular video game 'Temple Run'. This has left conservationists concerned about the place.&nbsp;

Conservationists&nbsp;have said that such running is denigrating the almost 900-year-old sculptures and also increasing the risk of irreparable damage.

People have been sharing their videos of running down narrow stone pathways, with sounds from the&nbsp;Temple Run video game overlapping the video, across TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-take-to-streets-in-spain-to-protest-against-mass-tourism-738868">Thousands take to streets in Spain to protest against mass tourism</a>

Some of these videos have got more than two million views.&nbsp;

<h2>Conservationists not happy with people running in temples&nbsp;</h2>

Expressing concern over the growing trend, conservationist Simon Warrack said that the nearly millennia-old ruins at Angkor can face potential damage and added that this also portrays cultural and religious insensitivities.&nbsp;

“You wouldn’t run through St Peters in Rome or any Western church, so why is it OK to do it in Cambodia?” Warrack said, as reported by the South China Morning Post.&nbsp;

“It’s not just potential damage to the stones by people bumping into them and falling or knocking things over – which is real – but it’s also damage to the spiritual and cultural value of the temples," he added.

Warrack said he has discussed the issue with Cambodian counterparts and officials who look after the complex.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Should tourists be punished for over-tourism?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-should-tourists-be-punished-for-over-tourism-739373/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Angkor Wat is still deeply revered by the people. Every stone is considered to contain the spirits of the ancestors," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Cambodia country director of the World Monuments Fund Ginevra Boatto said, “While the trend has temporarily boosted online interest in Angkor, it’s essential to promote safe access, educational visitation, and respect for the local religious, spiritual and social significance of the sites.

She added that trends of the new visitors should be “carefully managed to prevent any negative impact."&nbsp;

Hans Leisen, who once headed a German government-funded conservation project, said, “It’s nonsense. If you’re running through the temple, you will not see the beauty of the carvings. And if you fall or stumble, you’ll touch a wall to stabilise yourself and endanger the fragile carvings.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A new trend of real-life running in Cambodia’s historic Angkor Wat and other temples has gone viral, inspired by the popular video game 'Temple Run'. This has left conservationists concerned about the place.

A new trend of real-life running in Cambodia’s historic Angkor Wat and other temples has gone viral, inspired by the popular video game 'Temple Run'. This has left conservationists concerned about the place. Conservationists have said that such running is denigrating the almost 900-year-old sculptures and also increasing the risk of irreparable damage. People have been sharing their videos of running down narrow stone pathways, with sounds from the Temple Run video game overlapping the video, across TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms. Also Read: Thousands take to streets in Spain to protest against mass tourism Some of these videos have got more than two million views. Conservationists not happy with people running in temples Expressing concern over the growing trend, conservationist Simon Warrack said that the nearly millennia-old ruins at Angkor can face potential damage and added that this also portrays cultural and religious insensitivities. “You wouldn’t run through St Peters in Rome or any Western church, so why is it OK to do it in Cambodia?” Warrack said, as reported by the South China Morning Post. “It’s not just potential damage to the stones by people bumping into them and falling or knocking things over – which is real – but it’s also damage to the spiritual and cultural value of the temples," he added. Warrack said he has discussed the issue with Cambodian counterparts and officials who look after the complex. Watch: Gravitas | Should tourists be punished for over-tourism? “Angkor Wat is still deeply revered by the people. Every stone is considered to contain the spirits of the ancestors," he said. Meanwhile, Cambodia country director of the World Monuments Fund Ginevra Boatto said, “While the trend has temporarily boosted online interest in Angkor, it’s essential to promote safe access, educational visitation, and respect for the local religious, spiritual and social significance of the sites. She added that trends of the new visitors should be “carefully managed to prevent any negative impact." Hans Leisen, who once headed a German government-funded conservation project, said, “It’s nonsense. If you’re running through the temple, you will not see the beauty of the carvings. And if you fall or stumble, you’ll touch a wall to stabilise yourself and endanger the fragile carvings.” (With inputs from agencies)

Tourists go for real-life 'Temple Run' in Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, experts express concern

Taking motivation from Gujarat Elections results, Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be on tour for three days in Karnataka, ahead of assembly elections in the state.

During the visit, the newly elected party president of All India Congress Committee Rahul Gandhi will be continuing his temple run in the state after Gujarat.

The Gandhi scion will tour the state between February 10 and 12.&nbsp;

He will be visiting Sringeri Sharada Math on February 11 and Sri Krishna Math of Udupi February 12.&nbsp;Gandhi will also be conducting road shows and interact with farmers and coffee growers in Chikmagalur district in the evening.

Meanwhile, former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader&nbsp;Gundu Rao said that Rahul Gandhi is going to be a &quot;very key&quot; campaigner for the Congress in the state, news agency PTI reported.

Congress leader Anil Shastri said that Gandhi&#39;s visit to temples is just a matter of faith and not intended to create a vote bank.&nbsp;

Sensing religious wave in the country Congres has also adopted campaign with a touch of religion, as Rahul Gandhi has seen visiting Temples during the Gujarat elections as well.

Another Congress leader Digvijay Singh is also on &quot;Narmada Parikrama,&quot; visiting all temples along the banks of the river.

The tour starts from February 10 to February 12 of this year

Taking motivation from Gujarat Elections results, Congress president Rahul Gandhi will be on tour for three days in Karnataka, ahead of assembly elections in the state. During the visit, the newly elected party president of All India Congress Committee Rahul Gandhi will be continuing his temple run in the state after Gujarat. The Gandhi scion will tour the state between February 10 and 12. He will be visiting Sringeri Sharada Math on February 11 and Sri Krishna Math of Udupi February 12. Gandhi will also be conducting road shows and interact with farmers and coffee growers in Chikmagalur district in the evening. Meanwhile, former chief minister of Karnataka and Congress leader Gundu Rao said that Rahul Gandhi is going to be a "very key" campaigner for the Congress in the state, news agency PTI reported. Congress leader Anil Shastri said that Gandhi's visit to temples is just a matter of faith and not intended to create a vote bank. Sensing religious wave in the country Congres has also adopted campaign with a touch of religion, as Rahul Gandhi has seen visiting Temples during the Gujarat elections as well. Another Congress leader Digvijay Singh is also on "Narmada Parikrama," visiting all temples along the banks of the river.

Rahul Gandhi to continue 'temple run' in Karnataka ahead of polls

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