Garba Kiss Controversy: Indian-Origin Couple Issues Apology, Leaves Country
A video showing an Indian-origin couple kissing at Vadodara’s United Way Garba has gone viral, prompting the couple to issue a formal apology amid public outrage over the act during the sacred Navratri celebrations .
The clip showed Pratik Patel and his wife sharing a kiss on the garba ground, an act that quickly spread across online platforms and triggered widespread outrage. Though the couple has roots in Gujarat Patel hailing from Manjalpur and his wife from Anand they have been living in Australia for several years and hold Australian citizenship.
Soon after the video surfaced, the Sanatan Sant Samiti demanded strict action against the organisers. Advocate Bhavin Vyas also approached the Atladara Police Station, urging authorities to register a case for hurting religious sentiments. “Such behaviour during Navratri defames a sacred festival and cannot be tolerated,” he reportedly said.
The backlash was equally intense on social media, where hundreds of users condemned the couple, accusing them of insulting a cultural and religious event deeply cherished by devotees.
Couple Issues Apology
In response to the uproar, the couple was summoned by police and asked to explain their actions. Officers later confirmed that they issued a written apology, acknowledging their mistake.
“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. They are locals but have been living in Australia. They have been married for 16 years and have children,” a police inspector said, as reported by the Deccan Herald.
Police added that the couple, who were in India to visit family and participate in the Navratri festivities, had expressed regret over the incident before leaving for Australia. A senior officer confirmed, “The couple has left India and returned to Australia following the controversy.”
Respect for Tradition
For many in Vadodara, the incident highlighted the importance of maintaining the cultural and spiritual sanctity of Navratri. The United Way Garba is not just a dance festival but also a deeply devotional event where music, rituals, and community prayers blend together. Organisers and devotees alike stressed that while celebrations can be joyous, they must also remain respectful of tradition.
The clip showed Pratik Patel and his wife sharing a kiss on the garba ground, an act that quickly spread across online platforms and triggered widespread outrage. Though the couple has roots in Gujarat Patel hailing from Manjalpur and his wife from Anand they have been living in Australia for several years and hold Australian citizenship.
Outrage and Complaint
Soon after the video surfaced, the Sanatan Sant Samiti demanded strict action against the organisers. Advocate Bhavin Vyas also approached the Atladara Police Station, urging authorities to register a case for hurting religious sentiments. “Such behaviour during Navratri defames a sacred festival and cannot be tolerated,” he reportedly said.
The backlash was equally intense on social media, where hundreds of users condemned the couple, accusing them of insulting a cultural and religious event deeply cherished by devotees.
Couple Issues Apology
In response to the uproar, the couple was summoned by police and asked to explain their actions. Officers later confirmed that they issued a written apology, acknowledging their mistake.
“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. They are locals but have been living in Australia. They have been married for 16 years and have children,” a police inspector said, as reported by the Deccan Herald.
Police added that the couple, who were in India to visit family and participate in the Navratri festivities, had expressed regret over the incident before leaving for Australia. A senior officer confirmed, “The couple has left India and returned to Australia following the controversy.”
Respect for Tradition
For many in Vadodara, the incident highlighted the importance of maintaining the cultural and spiritual sanctity of Navratri. The United Way Garba is not just a dance festival but also a deeply devotional event where music, rituals, and community prayers blend together. Organisers and devotees alike stressed that while celebrations can be joyous, they must also remain respectful of tradition.
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