NRI couple apologizes for Garba kiss, leaves India after backlash
29 Sep 2025

An Indian-origin couple, Pratik Patel and his wife, have apologized after a video of them kissing at a Garba event in Vadodara, Gujarat, went viral.

The incident took place at the United Way Garba in the Kalali area during Navratri festivities.

The couple, who have been living in Australia for the past few years and were visiting India to meet family and enjoy the festivities, faced backlash for their actions.

Video sparks outrage, complaint filed
Public backlash

The video of the couple kissing at the Garba event sparked outrage on social media and drew criticism from religious groups.

The Sanatan Sant Samiti demanded action, focusing on the couple's actions.

Advocate Bhavin Vyas approached the Atladara Police Station to file a complaint against the couple for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

Couple married for 16 years
Apology issued

After being summoned to the police station, Patel and his wife submitted a written apology. They acknowledged that their actions were inappropriate for what they termed as a "sacred site during Navratri."

Livemint quoted a police inspector saying that the couple has been married for 16 years and has two children. They are originally from Manjalpur and Anand but have been residing in Australia.

Reportedly, the couple left India and returned to Australia after the controversy.