NRI Couple Issues Apology, Leaves India After Viral Kissing Video at Vadodara Garba Event

An NRI couple visiting Vadodara found their Navratri celebrations cut short and overshadowed by widespread outrage after a video of them kissing at a major Garba event went viral on social media. Following intense public backlash and a formal complaint, the couple issued a written apology to the police before leaving the country and returning to Australia.

The controversy erupted after footage surfaced showing the couple, identified as Pratik Patel and his wife, engaging in a brief public display of affection on the dance floor of the United Way Garba—one of the largest and most prominent Navratri celebrations in Gujarat. The video, which quickly spread across platforms, captured the man lifting his partner and kissing her on the lips amidst a large crowd of participants.

The act was swiftly condemned by locals and religious organisations, who deemed the public display of affection “obscene” and disrespectful to the sacred, devotional nature of the nine-day Navratri festival, which is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mataji. The United Way Garba, held at the Kalali ground, attracts thousands of attendees, including numerous visitors from abroad, and is regarded as an important cultural and religious gathering.

The backlash led to immediate action, with groups like the Sanatan Sant Samiti demanding strict measures against both the couple and the event organisers. An advocate also approached the local police station, urging authorities to file a complaint against the couple for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Following the formal complaints and ensuing social media uproar, the police traced and summoned the couple. The couple, who are Indian-origin Australians married for 16 years and residing in Melbourne, were in India to visit family and partake in the festivities.

At the police station, they submitted a written apology, acknowledging the sensitivity of their actions at a site considered sacred during Navratri. A police official confirmed the apology, stating, “They submitted in writing that the place where they kissed was a sacred site during Navratri. They have apologised, stating that they should not have done that.”

After tendering their apology and being questioned by authorities, the couple reportedly flew back to Australia. The incident has reignited debates about cultural preservation, the changing nature of traditional festivals, and acceptable public behaviour at religious gatherings. Organisers of such large-scale events are now under increased scrutiny, with calls for stricter guidelines and supervision to ensure the spiritual sanctity of the Navratri festival is maintained.