US-based interfaith couple cancel Aligarh wedding reception after right-wing groups protest

AGRA: A US-based interfaith couple from Aligarh had to cancel their wedding reception in their home town after protests by right-wing outfits, who claimed the event could disrupt communal harmony. Scheduled for Dec 21 at a marriage hall on G T Road, the reception was called off after members of Bajrang Dal, Karni Sena, and Brahman Maha Sabha marched to the collectorate, submitted a memorandum to officials, and warned of potential unrest if the reception was allowed. Under mounting pressure, the families decided to cancel the event, citing safety concerns.
Ashar Choudhury, 30, a senior executive at a US-based multinational firm, and Avani Bhargava, 29, an MBA graduate working for a private firm, married four months ago in the US and registered their wedding under the Special Marriages Act at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco. They recently arrived in Aligarh, where their families had planned a reception for relatives and friends.
Protests erupted after an invitation card for the reception, reading, “We joyfully request your presence to bless the newlyweds Avani and Ashar,” was widely circulated on social media. Hindu groups took to the streets, claiming the event could disturb communal harmony.
On Friday, members of the groups marched to the Collectorate and submitted a memorandum to ADM (City) Amit Kumar Bhatt, demanding the event’s cancellation. They also warned the district administration and the marriage hall’s owner of the consequences if the event proceeded.
Thakur Gyanendra Singh Chauhan, state president of the All-India Karni Sena, alleged that the reception was a “clear case of love jihad”. He said, “We will not step back, even if it means entering the hotel or challenging the administration.” Former mayor of Aligarh Shakuntala Bharti echoed similar concerns. “The reception should not take place under any circumstances. If any incident occurs, the hotel owner and district administration will be held responsible,” she said.
Bajrang Dal coordinator Gaurav Sharma also voiced objections, saying, “While the Constitution permits adults to marry by choice, hosting such an event in a sensitive city like Aligarh could incite unrest. We are not against the marriage itself, but such an event should not happen here.”
The families announced the cancellation on social media, citing “unforeseen circumstances” for the decision. The acting station house officer of the local police stated that no untoward incidents occurred during the protests. A family friend told TOI, “The event was scheduled to take place in a few days, and a marriage hall was booked. But due to the protests and concerns for the safety of guests, both families decided to cancel the programme.”
Bhatt confirmed that he had received a memorandum from the protesters and the matter was under review. The marriage hall manager also confirmed the event’s cancellation.