Vadodara City, Gujarat, India: Indian-Origin Couple Issues Apology After Kiss Video at Vadodara Garba Sparks Controversy

Social media users and locals have criticized the act, calling it “disrespectful” to the sanctity of the celebration.

An Indian-origin couple has publicly apologised after a video of them sharing a kiss during a Garba event in Vadodara, Gujarat, went viral online. The clip, which many found inappropriate, triggered discussions on cultural boundaries and public displays of affection during religious occasions.

According to Desh Gujarat, the couple, who have been married for 16 years and reside in Melbourne, Australia, submitted a written apology to the police before leaving India. They were in Vadodara to visit their families and take part in the Navratri festivities.

What exactly happened?

The incident occurred on September 26 during the United Way Garba, hosted at the Kalali grounds in Vadodara. The event is among the largest Navratri celebrations globally, drawing between 30,000 and 35,000 attendees each night, including numerous non-resident Indians (NRIs).

A short video clip showed the couple dancing enthusiastically before the husband lifted his wife and kissed her. What started as a cheerful moment between the two soon became a topic of heated discussion as the footage spread rapidly across social media platforms.

Many people on the internet and in the local community condemned the act, terming it “inappropriate” for a sacred event. “This is a devotional celebration, not a dance club,” one user commented, while another wrote, “Such behaviour at Garba events cannot be tolerated.”

However, a few individuals defended the couple, suggesting the criticism was exaggerated. “That wasn’t obscene — it was just a brief kiss, nothing more,” one user argued.

Following the online uproar, multiple complaints were lodged at the Atladra Police Station. Authorities quickly located the couple and called them in for questioning. The pair later submitted a written apology, expressing regret over their behaviour.

After acknowledging their mistake, they were released without any further legal proceedings. A senior police officer confirmed that the couple subsequently flew back to Australia once the issue subsided.

Garba ek pavitra parampara hai 🙏
Lekin kuch couples ise badnaam kar rahe hain – dance floor par kiss, galat poses aur public mein ashobhniya harkatein 😡@GujaratPolice कृपया ऐसे मामलों पर ध्यान दें।
Garba khelne आएं, अश्लील हरकतें करने नहीं। pic.twitter.com/9o2m8d7Ar7

— Nisha Bharti (@Smiley_Nisha0) September 27, 2025