Viral Garba Scandal: NRI Couple Apologises After Kissing Video Sparks Outrage – Forced to Leave India Within 72 Hours
An NRI couple issued a public apology after a video of them kissing at a Garba event went viral. Facing backlash, they left India within 72 hours amid growing outrage
What was supposed to be a full-blown garba night for an NRI couple visiting Vadodara, Gujarat, to enjoy Navratri festivities, turned controversial after a video of them kissing at the event went viral. The video, filmed at the United Way Garba—one of the most popular events held in the Kalali area—showed the couple locking lips on the garba ground.
The man, Pratik Patel, and his wife have been residing in Australia for the past 16 years. They were in India to meet Pratik’s parents and enjoy the festivities, according to a report in Desh Gujarat.
The video drew widespread criticism, with the Sanatan Sant Samiti demanding action against the organisers. Advocate Bhavin Vyas approached Atladara Police Station and urged authorities to file a complaint against the couple for hurting religious sentiments, according to Bhaskar English.
The couple submitted a written apology following the backlash. Police confirmed that the duo has been married for 16 years and have two children. Pratik Patel hails from Manjalpur, and his wife is from Anand.
“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.
A video of an NRI couple kissing during a Garba event in Gujarat has gone viral, sparking outrage across social media and conservative circles. The incident, which took place during the Navratri festivities, has ignited a heated debate over cultural sensitivity, public decency, and the role of tradition in modern India.
The video, which surfaced online late last week, shows the couple engaging in a brief but intimate moment in the middle of a traditional Garba dance gathering. The footage quickly gained traction, drawing widespread criticism from local residents, cultural groups, and political figures who deemed the act “disrespectful” to the sanctity of the festival.
Facing mounting backlash, the couple — both Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) visiting from the U.S. — issued a public apology, stating that they “deeply regret the incident” and were unaware that their actions would offend cultural sentiments.
“We sincerely apologize to anyone who felt hurt or disrespected. It was never our intention to cause offense,” they stated in a video shared via social media.
Following the uproar, sources confirmed that the couple voluntarily left India within 72 hours, reportedly after receiving strong advisories from both local authorities and their own legal counsel to avoid further escalation.
While no official police complaint has been filed, local cultural organizations condemned the incident and demanded stricter enforcement of conduct guidelines at public religious events. Some groups have even called for a ban on NRIs attending such events unless they agree to abide by traditional norms.
Officials associated with the Garba event stated that they will tighten security and surveillance at future functions to prevent similar incidents.
This incident has stirred a broader discussion about the clash between modern expressions of affection and traditional Indian values, especially during religious and cultural events.
While some voices defended the couple, citing personal freedom and cultural openness, the majority reaction online and on-ground has leaned toward outrage, calling for more “respectful behavior” at sacred gatherings.
A seemingly affectionate moment turned into a nationwide controversy when an NRI couple was caught on camera kissing during a Garba event in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, during Navratri 2025. The viral clip has since sparked massive backlash online and offline, with religious groups and cultural conservatives calling the act “an insult to Indian traditions.”
As tensions escalated, the couple issued a public apology and left India within 72 hours of the incident, reportedly under pressure from social groups and fearing legal consequences.
The now-deleted viral video shows the couple — both visiting from New Jersey, USA — dancing in traditional attire at a Navratri Garba event. At one point during the dance, they pause to share a kiss — a moment that drew cheers from a few around them, but was captured on camera and widely circulated on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Twitter (X) with hashtags like #GarbaInsult and #RespectTradition.
Within hours, the video triggered a flood of angry reactions, with people calling it “disgraceful,” “vulgar,” and “a stain on Indian culture.”
Local Garba organizers, religious groups, and members of various cultural associations condemned the couple’s actions. One organizer said:
“We promote Garba as a spiritual and cultural event, not a place for public display of affection. This kind of behavior is unacceptable.”
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other right-wing outfits criticized the “Westernization of Indian festivals,” demanding stricter screening and behavior codes for attendees, especially NRIs and foreigners.
In a video statement released two days after the incident, the couple apologized:
“We deeply respect Indian traditions. We weren’t aware our brief moment would be considered offensive. We apologize to anyone who felt hurt. It was never our intention to disrespect the culture or the festival.”
Following the backlash and under what sources describe as “strong advisories” from local authorities, the couple left India within 72 hours of the video going viral.
According to reports, their return flight was rescheduled on an urgent basis, and security was provided at their hotel due to threats from fringe groups.
While no FIR or legal complaint was filed as of now, Gujarat Police have stated that they are reviewing event footage and may take action if further violations are found.
Event organizers across Gujarat have already begun updating Garba entry rules, including potential behavioral clauses and dress code enforcement, especially for non-locals and tourists.
The issue has sharply divided the internet:
Supporters say the backlash is exaggerated and rooted in outdated thinking.
Critics argue that cultural festivals should maintain their sanctity and not be diluted by “Western influence.”
Some popular influencers and celebrities have also weighed in, urging for balance between cultural preservation and personal freedom.
