Gujarat : Christmas Decorations Vandalised. Saffron Outfit Protests Celebration

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — In a disturbing incident that has once again brought the debate over religious celebrations in public spaces to the fore, a group of saffron outfit activists vandalised Christmas decorations at Palladium Mall near Thaltej on SG Highway on Friday. The protest, carried out in the midst of the festive season, triggered panic among shoppers and mall staff and prompted swift police action.

According to eyewitnesses, four to five activists affiliated with a saffron brigade entered the upscale mall and targeted Christmas trees and decorations installed as part of the year-end celebrations. Despite repeated requests and persuasion by mall authorities and security personnel, the activists allegedly pulled down a Christmas tree, turned it upside down and continued vandalism, insisting that all Christmas-related decorations be removed immediately.

“The situation escalated very quickly. There were families, children and senior citizens inside the mall. People were visibly scared when the activists began pulling down decorations,” said a mall employee who did not wish to be named.

Police were informed soon after the protest began and reached the spot to control the situation. The activists were detained to prevent further damage and to restore order. A brief scuffle was also reported between the protesters and mall staff before police intervened.

The incident comes at a time when malls and public spaces across the city are hosting Christmas and New Year celebrations between December 25 and December 31, marked by festive lighting, Santa Claus displays and themed decorations. Friday’s protest disrupted normal activity at Palladium Mall and created a tense atmosphere for several hours.

Notably, the protest follows a letter written three days earlier by the Federation of Parents Associations along with the saffron outfit to the state Education Minister and the District Education Officer. The letter objected to Christmas celebrations and holidays in schools, alleging that Hindu children were being made to participate in Christmas-themed activities such as dressing up as Santa Claus without parental consent.

Saffron Sena President Kamal Rawal defended Friday’s protest, stating, “We are not opposed to any religion. Our objection is to the preference given to only one religion in public spaces. Hindu festivals and cultural icons are being ignored. If festivals are to be celebrated, then all festivals should be organised equally.”

Rawal further questioned the absence of programmes commemorating national icons and Hindu figures. “Why don’t we see statues or celebrations of Shivaji Maharaj or Lord Ram in such places? Why is there selective celebration?” he asked.

The incident has sparked sharp reactions on social media, with many condemning the vandalism as an attack on communal harmony, while others echoed concerns about religious neutrality in public institutions. Police officials said further action would be taken based on complaints and video evidence.