Viral kissing video at Vadodara garba night costs couple dearly - 'Quick departure from India'

An Indian-origin couple has been compelled to issue a formal apology after a video of them sharing a kiss at a Navratri celebration in Vadodara provoked widespread condemnation and a police complaint.

The incident occurred at the prominent United Way Garba event in the city's Kalali area. Footage, which later circulated extensively online, showed the married couple, identified as Pratik Patel and his wife, kissing at the venue, according to a report by HT .

The clip quickly ignited a furor, with many social media users and local groups accusing the pair of disrespecting the religious festival.

According to HT report, the couple, who are originally from Gujarat but have been living in Australia for several years and hold Australian citizenship, were visiting family in India. Police officials confirmed that the pair have been married for 16 years and have two children.

The backlash was not confined to online platforms. The Sanatan Sant Samiti, a religious organisation, demanded action against the event organisers. Furthermore, advocate Bhavin Vyas formally approached the Atladara Police Station, urging officers to register a complaint against the couple for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Subsequently, the pair were summoned to the police station where they submitted a written apology. A police inspector, in a statement reportedly said, “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.”

The controversy has concluded with the couple's departure from India. A senior police officer confirmed to HT that following the incident and their apology, the couple have now returned to their home in Australia.