NRI Couple's Public Kiss at Vadodara Garba Sparks Cultural Debate, Viral Video Draws Mixed Reactions

Vadodara witnessed an unexpected controversy during the ongoing Navratri celebrations when a video of an NRI couple kissing in the middle of a Garba performance went viral on social media. The incident took place at the renowned United Way Garba festival in Vadodara, one of the largest and most celebrated Navratri events in India. The short clip has ignited a heated debate over cultural values, public conduct, and the boundaries of personal freedom in traditional festivities.

According to reports, the video shows the young man lifting his partner while dancing and suddenly kissing her on the lips amid a large crowd. Several attendees captured the moment on their mobile phones, and the footage quickly spread across various social media platforms, drawing thousands of reactions within hours. Many viewers expressed shock, stating that such behavior at a religious and culturally significant event was inappropriate. Others, however, defended the couple, calling it a matter of personal choice and questioning why a private moment should cause public outrage.

The United Way Garba is known for its vibrant atmosphere, drawing participants from across the world, including NRIs who come to celebrate the festival with traditional music, dance, and devotion. For many locals, the event holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, making the couple’s public display of affection particularly controversial. Some community leaders and social media users argued that while personal relationships are private, public acts of intimacy in a sacred setting disrespect the sentiments of fellow participants.

The NRI couple has issued a formal apology after their kssing video at a Garba event in Vadodara went viral.

The couple were called to the police station after the United Way Garba event. They are Australian nationals of Indian origin. They issued a written apology. pic.twitter.com/0dsOk0jWD9

— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) September 28, 2025

As criticism mounted online, the couple reportedly issued a public apology. In their statement, they expressed regret for their actions and clarified that they had no intention of hurting anyone’s cultural or religious feelings. They described the kiss as an impulsive, light-hearted moment during the dance and said they were unaware it would provoke such strong reactions.

The viral video has since triggered a larger conversation about modern relationships, social media exposure, and the clash between traditional Indian values and evolving global norms. Supporters of the couple argue that Garba is also a celebration of joy and togetherness, and policing personal behavior reflects a rigid mindset. Critics, however, insist that cultural events should maintain decorum and respect for shared traditions, regardless of changing times.

Local authorities have not announced any legal action, but security teams at similar events are now reportedly stepping up surveillance to prevent incidents that may disrupt the festive environment. Social media platforms continue to buzz with opinions, making the Vadodara Garba kiss one of the most discussed topics of this year’s Navratri celebrations.

As the debate rages on, the incident highlights the delicate balance between individual freedom and cultural sensitivity, raising the question of how public spaces and traditional festivals can adapt in an era of instant viral content and diverse global influences.