Kalyan: Haldi Ceremony Chaos After Mass Food Poisoning

New Delhi, january 19, 2026: What was meant to be a day of vibrant celebration and familial bonding turned into a medical emergency in Kalyan on Sunday, after dozens of guests fell ill following a suspected case of food poisoning during a pre-wedding Haldi ceremony. The incident has forced the grieving families to indefinitely postpone the wedding nuptials.

The festivities, held in a residential colony in the Kalyan East area, were in full swing until late afternoon. According to witnesses, shortly after the traditional lunch was served, several guests began complaining of nausea, abdominal pain, and bouts of vomiting.

A Sudden Turn of Events

The joyous atmosphere of music and turmeric-smearing rituals quickly evaporated as the number of symptomatic guests rose from a handful to over forty within the span of two hours.

Local residents and un-affected family members acted quickly, coordinating a fleet of private vehicles and rickshaws to transport the sick to nearby private and civic hospitals.

“It happened so fast,” said one relative who requested anonymity. “People were laughing and dancing one moment, and the next, there was a queue of people collapsing or rushing to the washrooms. The elders and children were the hardest hit.”

Medical Response and Current Status

Hospital authorities confirmed that a total of 42 individuals were admitted across three different medical facilities. Most patients exhibited classic symptoms of acute gastroenteritis.

While the majority of the victims were stabilized and discharged by Monday morning, four individuals—including an elderly woman and a seven-year-old child—remain under observation. Fortunately, medical staff have reported that all patients are currently out of danger.

Investigation Underway

Preliminary reports suggest that a specific sweet dish served during the lunch, or perhaps contaminated water used in the catering, could be the source of the infection.

• Food Samples: Local health officials and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) representatives have reportedly collected samples of the leftover food for laboratory testing.
• Catering Inquiry: Authorities are looking into the catering service hired for the event to check for hygiene standards and permit compliance.
• Police Statement: While no formal First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet, local police are conducting a summary inquiry into the incident to rule out any foul play.

Wedding Postponed Amidst Recovery

The most heartbreaking fallout of the incident is the postponement of the wedding itself. With both the bride’s and groom’s immediate families occupied with hospital runs and recovery, the decision was made to stall the ceremony.

“Health and safety come first,” a spokesperson for the groom’s family stated. “We cannot celebrate while our loved ones are in hospital beds. We will announce a new date once everyone has fully recovered and the shock has subsided.”

The incident serves as a grim reminder for hosts to exercise extreme caution regarding food safety and hygiene during large-scale summer gatherings and wedding seasons.